Violent thug is jailed after he abused his pregnant ex-partner

Sheffield Crown Court heard on April 27 how John Needham, aged 23, of Spring Lane, Arbourthorne, Sheffield, admitted controlling or coercive behaviour between May, 2017, and September, 2019, which had included violence during their relationship in Doncaster.

Recorder Tahir Khan QC told Needham: “During the course of that relationship you subjected her to a catalogue of grossly abusive and controlling behaviour which left her with deep emotional scars, withdrawn and grounded down – often terrified by what violence would be visited upon her next.

"You were jealous and controlling and abusive – verbally towards her - there was an occasion when you headbutted her in the face causing a broken nose which bled profusely. There were punches and slaps and kicks.”

Ian Goldsack, prosecuting, said Needham’s ex-partner had lost two unborn babies during the relationship and she was pregnant again with the couple’s child at the time matters came to the attention of police.

The complainant stated Needham checked her mobile phone and social media use and accused her of looking at other males and called her offensive names.

Mr Goldsack added Needham told the complainant he hoped she died of cancer like her father and on an occasion at her home in Mexborough when he had objected to a Facebook posting he subjected her to abuse which she recorded on her mobile phone.

The complainant reminded Needham she was pregnant and he blamed her for the deaths of their previous unborn children and he insulted her.

Mr Goldsack said Needham slapped his ex-partner on the leg and when she had crouched down holding her stomach and had said she needed the hospital he told her to suffer.

The defendant left the property, according to Mr Goldsack, and he picked up a large piece of concrete and threw it through the main window of the house.

Needham’s friend who had lived with the couple stated the defendant had been controlling and had said bad things about the complainant and he had seen Needham grab, punch and kick her and he had seen her with a bloody nose after the defendant had headbutted her.

The complainant stated she has been a victim of domestic abuse from Needham for a long time but she had stayed with him because she had wanted to help him.

Mr Goldsack said: “She described feeling isolated and she described how he had control over her life and she was always treading on eggshells.”

Needham pleaded guilty to using controlling or coercive behaviour and admitted causing criminal damage.

Andrew Swaby, defending, said Needham took responsibility for his “appalling and disgraceful behaviour” and acknowledges he has significant problems with jealousy, possessiveness and insecurity.

Mr Swaby added that Needham had a troubled up-bringing and he has issues with ADHD which means he has a low tolerance level.

Recorder Khan sentenced Needham to 24 months of custody and made the defendant subject to a restraining order to protect the complainant.

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