CHILTON MAN JAILED FOR UNPROVOKED ATTACK ON NORTH SEA FERRY
A man named Jake Andrew Greaves caused a serious and unprovoked attack on his partner during a ferry crossing on the North Sea to Amsterdam.The incident occurred on March 16 when Greaves and the woman, with whom he was relatively new, had enjoyed some drinks together.
When they returned to their cabin around 10pm, Greaves suddenly launched a violent assault, punching the woman with full force while wearing a saddle ring.
The court was told that he continued with a flurry of further blows to her face, head, and neck, using both hands, and the attack was described as coming out of nowhere, completely unexpected, and unprovoked.
The woman, who was badly shaken, was pushed to the floor where she was then kicked and stamped on by Greaves, who was wearing shoes.
Blood covered a bed sheet and towels due to her injuries.
Greaves reportedly said he did not care what happened to her and would punch her hard.
The woman managed to escape and sought help from ferry staff, who provided her with a room, but she was left feeling isolated as her phone and bank cards remained with Greaves in the cabin.
She later borrowed a phone to contact her family via social media.
The victim sustained a fractured elbow, bruises to her neck, face, and jaw, lumps to her head, a cut inside her lip, and bruising to her legs, which made eating difficult.
In a police interview, she expressed fear of homelessness as her belongings were with Greaves.
Greaves, aged 27 and from Chilton, was remanded in custody and appeared via video link in Durham Crown Court.
He initially denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent but pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, which was accepted.
Court records showed he had 12 convictions from 25 previous offences, including battery and assault, and was under a suspended sentence at the time of the attack.
The judge sentenced Greaves to 36 months in prison, including five months from a previously suspended sentence, and imposed a restraining order forbidding him from contacting the victim until further notice.
