MAN WHO STABBED EX'S FACE JAILED
A man who tormented his ex-partner with "ugly" threats and cut her face with a knife has been jailed for three years and seven months.In October, Luke Gallagher, 32, engaged in a frightening campaign of harassment and threats against a woman and her family after she rejected his attempt to rekindle their relationship, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
He demanded £10,000 from her, issued threats to kill her dog and her new partner, and vowed to set her car and her father’s allotment on fire.
The defendant, based in Killingworth and owner of a tanning salon, admitted to charges including blackmail, assault causing bodily harm, intimidation through threats of violence, and growing cannabis.
The woman had initially started dating Gallagher on Yates Close in May of the previous year.
Their relationship was good at first, and they moved in together a month later.
During a trip to Tenerife in July, Gallagher accused her of causing a jewelry theft, and she was so frightened that she slept in a bathroom at the hotel, as the prosecutor, Joe Hedworth, explained.
She later learned Gallagher was unfaithful, and he told her it was her fault for no longer making him happy.
The couple separated afterward.
In October, Gallagher persistently contacted her, requesting to get back together, calling her nonstop and leaving flowers at her house despite her clear refusal.
On October 26, he phoned her again and asked if she was involved with someone new.
Upon her confirmation, he became aggressive, hurling insults and threatening her dog, her car, and her new partner.
Gallagher then went to her home, where he confronted her with a knife and blocked her brother from leaving, aiming to harm him.
He assaulted her physically by strangling her, pushing her inside, locking the door, again choking her, and kicking her in the face.
He also pressed her face against a knife's blade, resulting in a cut, before she managed to escape.
During her run, he threatened to carve his initials on her forehead and ruin her life.
Later, Gallagher called her, demanding £10,000 or he would torch her father’s allotment and have others attack her residence.
The police seized 12 cannabis plants from his home during a raid.
In her statement, she said she was terrified for her safety and that of her family.
Recognising Gallagher’s violent past, she considered him a dangerous individual capable of killing her.
The judge described his actions as 'vicious and nasty,' emphasising the psychological damage inflicted by his threats and demands.
A 10-year restraining order was issued, barring him from contacting her or approaching within 50 meters.
