A MAN from Ellesmere Port who assaulted, controlled and harassed his former partner has been jailed.

Michael Duncan appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, February 27 where he pleaded guilty to section 39 assault and stalking.

The 38-year-old was sentenced to six months in prison and handed a five-year restraining order against his former partner.

During the hearing, the court was told how Duncan has a number of previous convictions relating to domestic incidents.

In this case, he had known his victim for several years, although the woman was not aware of his previous convictions. 

The pair became involved in a relationship in 2022 and initially everything was good. 

However, as their relationship developed Duncan became jealous and controlling.

He repeatedly accused his partner of being unfaithful and would monitor her social media accounts, even forcing her to delete other men from her friends' lists.  

Duncan’s behaviour was not just limited to social media, he would also phone and text his partner's friends and family in order to isolate the woman.

His behaviour escalated after he discovered that his victim had been in contact with a former partner, after which he started to call the woman abusive names – including a "tramp" and a "slag". 

During one incident, Duncan followed the woman when she was out with friends. When she asked him to stop, he spat in her face.

After sustaining months of abuse, his victim ended the relationship after 11 months, after which Duncan’s behaviour escalated further.

He would park his van outside the woman’s home and bombard her with hundreds of abusive messages, videos, and phone calls. 

On Christmas Eve 2022, Duncan phoned the woman over 100 times, then on Christmas Day he sent her a message telling her to kill herself.

Thankfully, his victim eventually sought the courage to report Duncan to Police in January 2023 and he was swiftly arrested and charged.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Luke Bailey said: "This was an extremely traumatising experience for the victim in this case and I hope that Duncan’s sentencing, along with his five-year restraining order, will provide her with some reassurance. 

"Domestic abuse is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, and we want to send out a clear message that nobody should have so have to suffer in silence.

"If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or if you know someone who is a victim, please get in touch.

"We treat all reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously and will use all the powers available to us to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. This is demonstrated by the fact that the charge rate for domestic abuse offences in Cheshire has increased by 30 per cent in the past 12 months."

Help and advice

To report any incidents of domestic abuse contact Cheshire police on 101, or report online, in an emergency call 999.

DC Bailey added: "Help is also available through the National Domestic Violence Helpline, on 0808 2000 247. 

"In addition, if you have concerns about your current or ex-partner, because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you, then you can submit a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application.

"The scheme, also known as Clare’s law, enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse that a person might have."

To find out more about Clare’s law, or to submit a DVDS application, visit the Cheshire police website.