JACK DONEGAN

A court was informed that Jack Donegan, aged 25 and residing on Hartcliffe Road in Bristol, made threats to violently assault his pregnant partner, including threats to rape her and forcibly remove her unborn child.

The defendant physically assaulted the woman multiple times, including incidents in June 2020 when he headbutted her, causing a black eye, and in July 2021 when he injured her finger and left her with bruises.

In October 2021, he assaulted her through punching and kicking, resulting in several bruises, after which the relationship ended.

Following this, between October 2021 and April 2022, Donegan stalked his former partner by inundating her with threatening and abusive messages on social media.

These included explicit threats to stab her, damage her property, and to have her raped.

He also made derogatory comments about her appearance, threatened to show her body to others, and called her insulting names such as 'slag,' 'whore,' and 'slut.' The messages further contained threats to harm her family and even included threats to have her baby surgically removed, as he claimed to be outside her home, taking photos of himself there.

Donegan pleaded guilty to three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and one count of stalking.

At Bristol Crown Court for sentencing, Judge James Patrick imposed a custodial sentence of 33 months and also issued a restraining order lasting nearly six years, prohibiting him from contacting or posting about the woman on social media.

The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offences and warned that violence against women often leads to prison sentences.

The prosecutor, Ellen McAnaw, highlighted Donegan’s violent history and stalking behavior.

Emily Evans, representing Donegan, acknowledged her client's remorse and stated he had taken steps to address his conduct through courses.