HARTLEPOOL OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR LONG-RUNNING DOMESTIC ABUSE AND STALKING
A violent man known as Michael Rochford has been sentenced for a pattern of harassment, stalking, and violent abuse spanning over seven years.During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Rochford threatened to drown his former partner and physically dragged her around a room by her hair while their relationship was ongoing.
His victim reported that he had belittled and abused her for many years and had even threatened to physically assault her when she was pregnant with their child.
The court heard that the abuse persisted long after their relationship had ended.
Prosecutor James Yearsley detailed incidents from 2012 to 2019, including Rochford dragging the woman by her hair and threatening her with violence, with his sister witnessing him grab her hair and drag her.
Between January 2019 and November 2020, Rochford repeatedly harassed the woman by appearing at her home and workplace, once throwing a fence post through her window.
Rochford has prior convictions for assaulting an emergency worker and attacking another former partner.
He pleaded guilty to harassment and stalking, and Judge Chris Smith sentenced him to three years and nine months in prison.
Rochford was also issued with an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim, highlighting the court's recognition of the severity of his actions.
