MAN JAILED AFTER 11 DAY CAMPAIGN OF TERROR AIMED AT EX-PARTNER
A man from Wirral has received a custodial sentence after engaging in a prolonged campaign of harassment and abuse against his former partner, which included threats to destroy her and her mother's homes.Joe Smith, aged 25, repeatedly contacted his ex-girlfriend through calls and messages over an 11-day period.
On one occasion, he chased her while she was driving and jumped onto the bonnet of her vehicle.
According to evidence presented at Liverpool Crown Court by prosecutor Carmel Wilde, Smith was subject to a restraining order issued on September 10, 2025, restricting any contact with his former partner, with whom he shares a baby son.
Earlier in January, Smith was detained on suspicion of assaulting his mother, leading to the denial of access to his child.
During this period, he persistently called his ex to insist he was innocent.
In the following days, he contacted her at her workplace, issuing threats and expressing suicidal intentions.
On January 13, while she was driving along Bedford Avenue with her sister and stopped at a junction, she noticed Smith about 50 meters away.
Wilde explained that Smith began running toward her car, then threw himself onto the bonnet and threatened to injure her nephew's legs.
Later that same day, during a shopping trip, the victim saw Smith again.
He resumed chasing her car and tried to open the passenger door.
The woman managed to record Smith on her phone making comments like "I hate you" and "I'm going to batter you".
Wilde described how the victim felt terrified, noting Smith’s eyes and voice reflected anger, and he attempted to restrain her by pulling her seatbelt.
Eventually, Smith pulled the car's handbrake, but the victim was able to drive away.
On February 1, Smith sent her a Facebook message threatening to circulate a nude photo of her across the Woodchurch Estate.
Over the following days, he continued to call and text, making threats to blow up her and her mother’s houses, claiming that three men were ready to carry out these acts if he was arrested.
Wilde said the victim felt perpetually unsafe for herself and her family, and in fear, she dropped off a child at her father’s house before going to Birkenhead police station amid Smith’s relentless calls.
It was also revealed that Smith has three prior convictions for five offenses.
During the hearing, a victim impact statement was read aloud, expressing that she felt severely affected emotionally and psychologically, experiencing ongoing anxiety, worry, and fear due to Smith’s actions.
John Wheate, representing Smith, stated that his client, from Avondale Road, Eastham, was "embarrassed and ashamed" of his conduct.
The judge, Recorder Fiona Clancy, sentenced Smith after he admitted to eight breaches of a non-molestation order, violating a restraining order, and stalking behaviors.
She emphasised that the impact of his actions on his ex-partner also affects their child, criticising his threats and humiliating conduct.
Clancy highlighted Smith’s threatening remarks during arrest, including threats to physically assault police officers, and urged him to recognize the severity of his immature and aggressive behaviour.
Smith was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was subjected to a 15-year restraining order preventing any contact with the victim.
