EX-PARTNER 'TAPED LETTERBOX' SHUT OVER ARSON FEAR
A survivor of domestic abuse has revealed she was so terrified her ex would set fire to her home while she slept that she taped her letterbox shut.Tyler Thornhill, 24, of Henbury, Bristol, has been jailed for two and a half years after admitting to two assaults on his former partner on Valentine’s Day last year.
Thornhill forced his way into her Warminster home armed with a baseball bat, where he grabbed her by the throat.
At Salisbury Crown Court, a statement from the victim was read out.
She said: "He promised me that there was no place I could run or hide to where he wouldn't be able to get to me." She added: "I never thought I would find the courage to report the abuse, simply because I was too scared." Thornhill, of Standfast Road, also admitted two counts of criminal damage alongside the assaults.
He was sentenced on April 29 to 30 months in prison, ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge, and given a 10-year restraining order.
The victim explained the toll his behaviour had taken: "I constantly check multiple times through the night that doors are locked, curtains are shut, lights are off and even go as far as Sellotaping the letterbox in fear that he would set fire to my house whilst I was asleep." Wiltshire Police praised her courage in coming forward.
Local crime investigator Suzanne Stone said: "Thornhill put his victim through three years of abuse, including physical and mental.
"His behaviour and actions caused her to be in fear of repercussions, to the point they would not sleep and even caused them to move home.
"The impact of all these things stripped the victim of their confidence and trust, something which should never be allowed to happen to anyone.
"I welcome the sentencing that has been given, especially the 10-year restraining order that has been put in place.
I hope the victim can now finally start to feel safe, and begin to move forwards with their life."
