Jail for thug who headbutted his girlfriend on Valentines Day

Carl Jones, 36, of Greenlands, in Hedworth, Jarrow, has been jailed for assaulting two former partners and breaching his restraining order.

Jones, who had previously served a custodial sentence for attacking one of the women and perforating her eardrum, bumped into her on a night out in South Shields days before Christmas 2017.

Despite a restraining order against him, he attempted to talk to her before head-butting her twice.

In a separate assault on a different woman on Valentine’s Day last year, Jones turned on his then-girlfriend after she accidentally scratched him during a play fight, making threats and head butting her as she shouted for him to stop.

He repeatedly punched her in the head, leaving her bruised, swollen and with a chipped tooth.

As he left her home he threatened: “I’ll be back tomorrow to finish you off”.

She attended hospital and then bravely contacted police.

Jones has now been sentenced to four years in prison with a one-year extension and handed restraining orders preventing him indefinitely from being in contact with both victims.

Northumbria Police Detective Constable Gemma Clark, who investigated the case, has now praised the bravery of the victims and encouraged others in a volatile relationship or being harassed by an ex to speak out.

Det Con Clark said: “I know both women were terrified to speak out but they did the right thing and their courage has now seen a dangerous man put behind bars.

"If you also have concerns about a current partner or a new relationship, you can submit a Clare's Law application where police can disclose information about a partner should they have a violent history that you need to be aware of.

An application for Clare's Law – also known as a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme - can be made via the Northumbria Police website.

Victims of domestic abuse can call police on 101, 999 in an emergency or visit the Tell us Something on the force’s website.

They can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 for independent advice and support.