Domestic abuser jailed for attacking ex-girlfriend

A domestic abuser who deliberately crashed his ex-girlfriend's car, threatened her with a knife, and ordered her not to tell the police has been jailed.Joshua Sullivan, 24, carried out a campaign of emotional, psychological, and physical abuse against his partner during their two-year relationship, as reported by Newcastle Crown Court.Following their breakup, he bombarded her with calls before attacking her, stealing her vehicle, and threatening to kill her.Sullivan, who has no fixed address, admitted multiple offenses including aggravated vehicle taking, assault, harassment, and witness intimidation. He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.During the court proceedings, it was detailed that Sullivan's relationship with the victim ended in March this year after he used emotional blackmail and threatened self-harm. On 23 March, during a night out, he called her 13 times and compelled her to bring him to her home in Wallsend. There, he assaulted her multiple times, took her Citroen C3, and deliberately crashed it. He also threatened her with a kitchen knife, telling her he would kill her, a threat he had previously made, and then began hacking at his own neck.After being arrested and released on bail, Sullivan called her 24 times over four hours, warning her not to hang up or he would come to her house, stating he had "nothing left to lose." He also told her not to give statements to the police, which was viewed as witness intimidation.The victim described Sullivan as repeatedly abusive, including regular biting of her face, and said he was manipulative, insulting her, and destroying her confidence while isolating her from friends and family. She also revealed that when she got pregnant, Sullivan insisted she keep the baby to prove she hadn't cheated, and when she refused, he punched her in the stomach. She reported that he often harmed himself in front of her and falsely blamed her for it. Additionally, he drove through multiple bus lanes to accumulate fines out of spite, which she had to pay, and she remains fearful of his future actions.In mitigation, the court acknowledged Sullivan's issues with alcohol and drugs, and that he has sought counseling. A restraining order was issued banning him from contacting the victim or attending her home or place of work. He was also prohibited from driving for three years and one month.