NEIL JONES FROM DINGLE SENTENCED FOR VIOLENCE AND STALKING AGAINST GIRLFRIEND IN LIVERPOOL

Neil Jones, a man residing on Saltergate Road in Dingle, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of violent and abusive acts committed against his former partner, Olivia McMahon. The disturbing case was heard at Liverpool Crown Court, revealing a pattern of coercive control, physical assaults, and relentless stalking that spanned over two years.

According to court proceedings, Jones’s relationship with Ms. McMahon began approximately two years prior to his sentencing. Their relationship was initially described as normal, but it took a dark turn after Jones lost his job in November 2022. The situation escalated into violence, beginning with an incident on December 4, 2022, during a dispute at the Liverpool Christmas markets. Prosecutor Shannon Stewart detailed how Jones dragged Ms. McMahon into a side street, where he proceeded to kick and punch her. Despite her attempts to escape, Jones tracked her down after she refused a taxi ride and they subsequently walked to his family home. There, he began strangling her and armed himself with a knife, threatening her with death as she sought refuge in a bathroom, banging on the door and shouting, “I’ll kill you.”

Throughout their tumultuous relationship, Jones’s violence persisted. Court records describe him punching Ms. McMahon in the head, kicking, pinching, and on one occasion, biting her in the face on December 5, 2023. The abuse continued into the new year, with Jones grabbing and pushing her on January 5, 2024, just days before she discovered she was pregnant with his child. Despite her pregnancy, Jones’s violent tendencies did not abate. On April 26, 2024, he left her with a black eye after punching her in the face, and on May 29, he caused a cut to her ear by hitting her on the side of the head.

During the court hearing, it was noted that Jones’s supporters in the gallery made derogatory remarks, including one woman calling Ms. McMahon a “grass,” which led to warnings from the judge, Recorder David Knifton KC. The court also heard about the ongoing violence, including episodes of strangulation, and the emotional toll it took on Ms. McMahon. After she gave birth to their son on September 22, 2024, Jones’s aggression intensified. He was accused of punching her in the face while their newborn was in a cot nearby, and he also behaved aggressively towards a nurse shortly after the birth.

Ms. McMahon eventually ended the relationship in December 2024, but Jones continued to harass her through constant messages and calls from withheld numbers. He created a Facebook account under the pseudonym “Bobby Firmino,” referencing the former Liverpool FC player, to contact her and ask her whereabouts. Court evidence revealed that Jones made approximately 400 calls during Christmas and New Year, including threats to “get someone to rape her,” “come to her house with a knife and kill her,” and “rape her and rip her throat out.”

Ms. McMahon testified that the ongoing abuse severely affected her mental health, leaving her feeling scared, anxious, and isolated from her family and friends. She described her transformation from an outgoing, confident individual to someone riddled with fear, constantly walking on eggshells. Her statements highlighted the profound impact of Jones’s actions, which included multiple threats and intimidation tactics.

Following the hearing, two women exited the court, with one making a derogatory remark about Ms. McMahon, further illustrating the hostile environment surrounding the case. The court also noted that Jones has three previous convictions for six offences, including possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. His last known conviction was for dangerous driving in 2016, for which he received a community order.

During the sentencing, Olivia Belle, representing Jones, stated that he accepted full responsibility for his actions and expressed that his family was shocked by his behaviour. She emphasized that Jones has no prior violent record and has generally maintained a good work ethic, including volunteering at Old Swan Youth Club and working with machinery and windmills before his arrest. She also mentioned that Jones suffered a skull fracture in a road traffic accident last year, which left him partially deaf. She conveyed his remorse and desire to turn his life around, focusing on his son and future.

Jones admitted to engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, stalking with a fear of violence, and making threats to kill. He appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool, wearing a grey Berghaus tracksuit top. The court sentenced him to 30 months in prison and imposed a 10-year restraining order to prevent any contact with Ms. McMahon.

In her sentencing remarks, Recorder Knifton described the case as a tragic example of a relationship that started seemingly normal but devolved into a pattern of control and violence. He highlighted the severity of Jones’s threats, including those to rape and kill, and the impact on Ms. McMahon’s mental health. The judge acknowledged her bravery in reporting the abuse despite her fears, noting that her life had been significantly altered by Jones’s conduct. The court also observed a physical altercation outside the courtroom involving two women, which was quickly broken up by security, further underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the case.