Yarm, England – A man was sentenced to four years in prison after violently attacking his ex-girlfriend’s new partner in a drunken rage. Jordan Kelly, 23, armed with a knife, went on a rampage at a block of flats in Yarm where his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend lived, according to Teesside Crown Court.
Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw revealed that Kelly had been in a controlling and mentally abusive relationship with the woman for about seven years before it ended in July 2023. The court heard that Kelly would threaten the woman with death if she moved while he slept with a knife beside him.
On September 8, Kelly went to his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend’s flat and aggressively confronted him, making death threats and physically assaulting him. Kelly held a knife with a 10-inch blade against the man’s throat, punched him multiple times, and even bit him. He expressed his intentions to kill the couple and himself, stating that if he couldn’t have his ex-girlfriend, then no one could.
After a struggle with his ex-girlfriend and an altercation with a police officer, Kelly was arrested. He exhibited a “prolonged and persistent” attack involving a “highly dangerous weapon,” as stated by Recorder Melly KC. Both victims expressed fear for their lives, with the male victim suffering from injuries that left him unable to see out of one eye for three weeks.
Kelly’s ex-partner described him as being “obsessed” with her, causing her to live in constant fear of him. Despite the gravity of the situation, Kelly showed a lack of remorse during the court proceedings, displaying inappropriate behavior via video link from HMP Durham.
In addition to the four-year prison sentence, Kelly was also issued an indefinite restraining order for both victims. The severity of his actions and the impact on the victims were highlighted in the sentencing. Kelly pleaded guilty to a range of offenses, including assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of a bladed article, assaulting an emergency worker, and making threats to kill.
The court’s decision to impose a significant prison term and restraining order underscores the seriousness of the attack and the lasting trauma inflicted on the victims. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of addressing controlling and abusive behaviors in relationships.