THUG’S 150-MILE TRIP TO ATTACK EX
A VIOLENT thug has been jailed after travelling more than 150 miles from Glasgow to attack his ex as she enjoyed a night out in Newcastle.
Phillip Smith, 24, was locked up on Wednesday after admitting to the assault of his then partner in April.
The 21-year-old victim had been enjoying a weekend with friends after travelling from her home town of Clydebank.
Smith had tried to stop her before deciding to travel down himself in a jealous rage.
Newcastle Crown Court was told how he eventually found her and assaulted her in a back alley, before pressuring her to return to his hotel.
Once they arrived at his room, the terrified victim BY KATIE COLLINGS attempted to escape. CCTV cameras in the hotel captured the moment he chased her, tackled her, picked her up and forced her into his hotel room before brutally assaulting her.
Concerned guests alerted hotel staff after overhearing the violent 15-minute attack, allowing the victim to escape.
A friend of Smith told him police were on their way, leading him to flee the hotel and travel back to Scotland.
Smith was arrested in Scotland three days later before being charged with kidnap and assault.
He admitted to the assault charge but the kidnap charge was laid on file as he was jailed for 28 months.
Following the case, investigating officer Detective Constable Rob Thorpe, of Northumbria Police’s Central CID, praised the victim.
He said: “I reviewed the footage of this incident and have no doubt that Phillip Smith is a violent and dangerous offender.
“He travelled more than 150 miles with the intention of teaching his ex-girlfriend a lesson and his behaviour is an extreme example of something we see regularly from offenders in abusive, coercive and controlling relationships.
“The victim has been brave. I know this ordeal has been difficult for her and her family.
“I hope she can take some comfort from the fact Smith is now behind bars where he cannot harm her any more.”