JOSEPH O'REILLY JAILED FOR RAM RAID AND THREATS TO EX'S FAMILY
This is the boyfriend-from-hell who rammed a stolen car into his ex's family home in Stoke-on-Trent.Joseph O'Reilly called his former partner's mum and told her 'Look b***h, I am driving a car into your house'.
During the distressing phone call, he also said he would shoot her.
The 27-year-old then carried out his chilling threat and drove into the Trentham property - leaving it severely damaged - before speeding away.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the incident has meant his ex's relationship with her family has broken down and she is scared to be in the house on her own.
The defendant, of Thornhill Road, Bentilee, has been sentenced to seven years and 10 months in prison.
He was also banned from driving for eight years and 11 months.
Prosecutor Alura Bather explained that O'Reilly's victim called her mum distressed on September 20, 2024.
Her mum went to find her and received a call from O'Reilly threatening to find her and kill her, claiming he would shoot her and drive a car into her house.
The victim believed the threat was real and feared for her safety.
She called her partner and returned home.
O'Reilly made several calls threatening to go to her house and carry out violence.
When she arrived there was a scene of devastation, and he had driven away from the scene.
Damage was caused to the front of the house.
On September 26, police received intelligence about a Seat believed to be driven by O'Reilly on false plates.
An officer stopped the vehicle in Barlaston, and an axe and cannabis were seized from the car.
The court heard this was the culmination of an abusive relationship where O'Reilly also damaged her phone, smashed a window, called her nasty names, and tried to control her movements.
O'Reilly was verbally abusive, called her derogatory names, threatened to burn her mother's house, and assaulted her by grabbing her hair, though she sustained no injuries.
Her relationships with her family have since broken down, and she is struggling with her mental health.
Her mother saw extensive damage to her home and fears O'Reilly will carry out his threats to kill her.
O'Reilly pleaded guilty to multiple offenses including controlling or coercive behavior, criminal damage, witness intimidation, causing damage recklessly, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, making threats to kill, possession of an axe, possession of cannabis, and handling stolen goods.
Defense mitigation highlighted O'Reilly's remorse and struggles with mental health and addiction but acknowledged he needs custodial punishment.
Judge Richard McConaghy stated that O'Reilly treated his partner terribly, including violence, property damage, and controlling behavior, and that he called her and threatened her and her family.
Fortunately, nobody was injured when he drove a stolen car into a house, and he was later caught driving another stolen vehicle.
The court made an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting his ex or her family and visiting their address.
