EX MARINE JAILED FOR TERRIFYING ATTACK ON PARTNER
A man who served as a Royal Marine has been sentenced to prison following a harrowing assault on his partner, during which she jumped out of a window in an attempt to escape him.Bobby Burnett was described as a violent oppressor who dominated every facet of his girlfriend’s life, leaving her too scared to socialize with friends on her own terms.
A judge labeled him as a juvenile in emotional regulation, condemning his conduct as contemptible.
The 32-year-old Afghanistan veteran had recently been released from custody for similar controlling behavior towards a previous partner before resuming the same pattern with his current girlfriend.
His methods included constant surveillance of her phone and increasingly oppressive control over her social activities and employment in Newton Abbot.
The victim, aged 26, later remarked that her sense of self had diminished significantly.
The abusive behavior escalated to physical violence during an argument at her South Devon residence in May, concerning expenses for a planned holiday.
After leaving in a rage to go to work, he returned shortly afterward and intimidated her by shouting directly into her face and clapping his hands dangerously close to hitting her.
He then departed again.
Fearing further harm, she attempted to reach Torquay police station but found it closed.
She returned home, expecting his return after he failed to answer multiple calls.
When he did come back, she escaped through a ground-floor window, but he pursued her, forcibly dragging her back by covering her mouth to prevent her screams.
He threw her onto a sofa, then left with her phone and keys, claiming she wouldn’t need them for work.
She managed to escape a second time, seeking help from a passing motorist and requesting to use his mobile phone, as detailed in court.
Burnett, now living in Hull on Wyton Road but previously associated with the Lympstone Commando Training Centre, admitted to charges of battery and common assault.
He was sentenced to four months in prison by Judge David Evans.
The judge remarked that this act occurred shortly after his previous release, indicating a relapse into old behaviors.
He criticized Burnett’s emotional immaturity, describing him as a man-child unable to manage his feelings or conduct himself maturely in a relationship.
He added that Burnett’s jealousy and insecurity led him to exert control and intimidate his partner, creating an environment of emotional abuse.
By the time of the attack, the victim was in a state of extreme vulnerability and fear, feeling compelled to accept her partner’s aggression rather than defend herself.
The judge emphasized that Burnett’s actions thrived on her terror.
Despite completing a probation-based domestic violence course called Building Better Relationships after his earlier release, Burnett was subject to an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting any contact or visits to the victim’s home or workplace.
Prosecutor Miss Janice Eagles explained that while physical injuries were relatively minor, the emotional scars were profound, with the victim recalling how Burnett’s hand over her mouth made her feel suffocated and terrified for her life.
She described her psychological deterioration, stating Burnett had eroded her sense of self, leaving her feeling diminished and fearing for her survival.
Defence lawyer Miss Francesca Whebell stated that Burnett recognizes the relationship is over and intends to relocate to Hull to find work as a crane operator.
She added that he is remorseful for his actions and wishes to express this regret.
Previously, in 2015, Burnett received a 26-month prison sentence for similar controlling behavior towards another partner while still serving in the Marines, living in Uffculme and Cullompton.
That pattern involved complete dominance over her personal choices, including forbidding makeup and scrutinizing her clothing to make her less attractive to other men.
