DARREN LEE JOHNSON

Carlisle man Darren Johnson was sentenced after making threats against his ex-girlfriend and her family.

He had previously threatened to destroy his former partner’s mother’s grave and repeatedly claimed he would kill her, despite being under a restraining order issued in 2022 that banned him from any contact.

Johnson admitted to breaching this order twice and stalking the woman, leading to his current sentencing at Carlisle Crown Court.

The judge imposed a prison term of two years and three months, noting that Johnson's actions required urgent protective measures for the victim: "Your victim needs immediate protection from you." The restraining order had been awarded earlier along with a 12-month jail sentence for prior assaults, including actions where he grabbed her forearms and choked her.

Court proceedings revealed Johnson’s disturbing conduct, which involved appearing at her home in a distressed state, holding a knife to his neck, spitting in her face, and damaging her phone.

He was also reported to have visited her workplace in October 2024, leaving threatening voicemails in which he repeatedly stated, "you're dead." One such message threatened to damage her mother’s grave with the words: "Better be on your guard." The woman described suffering from nightmares, flashbacks, and a fear of leaving her home, fearing Johnson would "terrorise me until the day I die." The court was told Johnson’s criminal record includes 61 offences, with previous assaults on his former partner in 2019 and 2022.

Judge Michael Fanning highlighted that Johnson’s intent appeared aimed at creating fear and distress, and he continues to be subject to an indefinite restraining order forbidding contact with the woman.