A North Yorkshire man has been jailed for 40 months after admitting stalking and harassment which caused his former partner to fear violence.
Max Midgley, 38, of Hustwaite Road, Coxwold, was sentenced at York Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 24, after pleading guilty to the offence.
The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order.
The court heard Midgley and the victim had been in a relationship for around two-and-a-half years, during and after which he displayed controlling, abusive and unpredictable behaviour.
Evidence presented to the court detailed a series of incidents in which Midgley was reported to have assaulted and threatened the victim.
These included strangling her while making threats to kill her, attempting to push her down stairs and forcing his way into a bathroom where she had sought refuge.
On another occasion, he pushed the woman against tiles, causing her head to hit a wall.
Midgley was also reported to have spat at the victim and grabbed her hand with enough force to cause injuries including a suspected broken finger and bruising.
In a separate incident, he threw a freshly made cup of hot tea into her face, with immediate action needed to prevent scalding.
The court heard his behaviour continued after the relationship ended.
After the victim returned to collect her belongings, she later encountered Midgley driving towards her vehicle on a country road.
Police said he drove directly towards her around a bend, forcing her to brake heavily and swerve to avoid a collision.
The incidents formed part of a course of conduct which left the woman fearing for her safety.
Police Staff Investigator Anne Yates, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This was a prolonged campaign of abusive, controlling and intimidating behaviour which left the victim fearing for her safety.
“Midgley’s actions had a devastating impact on the victim and demonstrate how domestic abuse can continue long after a relationship has ended.”
She praised the victim for the “courage and resilience” she had shown in reporting the offences and supporting the investigation.
Ms Yates added: “North Yorkshire Police will not tolerate domestic abuse, stalking or harassment in any form. We are committed to safeguarding victims, pursuing offenders and bringing them before the courts.”
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, stalking or harassment can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or call 999 in an emergency.
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