COUNTY DURHAM MAN JAILED FOR VIOLENT DOMESTIC ABUSE AND THREATS TO HER LIFE

The article reports that Michael Jobes, a 34-year-old man, engaged in a violent domestic assault against his partner during a six-month relationship. The abuse included stamping on her head, threatening to 'chop her up,' and a series of violent episodes. Initially, Jobes became paranoid and controlling after suspecting his partner was unfaithful, demanding to know who she was messaging. On November 20, he reacted violently after she received messages from colleagues, throwing objects, slapping her, and pulling her by the hair from the couch. Despite these incidents, they remained together until December 16, when Jobes's violence escalated again. That day, he assaulted her after shopping, sangling her head, dragging her by her hair, and demanding to see her messages. He further subjected her to a sustained assault, including stamping on her head multiple times, holding a knife with threats to kill her, and making her drink vodka with a deadly intent, crying and apologizing afterward. The woman sustained injuries including bleeding from her nose and mouth, and has since been battling nightmares and sleep issues, along with relocating to escape the abuse. Jobes appeared via video link from HMP Durham for sentencing at Durham Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, harassment, and criminal damage. The judge sentenced him to 22 months in prison and imposed a lifetime restraining order. His behavior was described as increasingly paranoid and controlling as the relationship progressed.