‘Burn baby burn’ message to ex after ‘petrol’ attack on car

AN “IMMATURE” man who could not accept his relationship had ended threw petrol at his ex’s car and sent a message saying: “Burn baby burn.”

Jay Parker made a comment about throwing acid at Danielle Hunter, spat in her face, pushed her over and reversed his car towards her while she was on the ground.

Sentencing him at Cardiff Crown Court, Recorder Christopher Clee QC said: “You made her life a misery.”

The court heard the couple were in a relationship for around six months before it ended in November 2019.

Byron Broadstock, prosecuting, said around two months into the relationship, Ms Hunter noticed a change in Parker’s behaviour. He started to call her, asking where she had been. He became angry if she did not do as he told her.

Prosecutors said she broke up with him and made it clear she did not want anything else to do with him, but he continued to send her messages.

The court heard Ms Hunter went to her car after work and found Parker there, demanding to talk to her.

Mr Broadstock said they went to a pub, where the defendant asked for a “second chance”. Ms Hunter told him she thought he would hurt her and he replied: “I would use acid. I want to ruin you.” She was scared and told him her father was waiting for her. Parker said she could only go if she unblocked his number.

The court heard on November 17, Ms Hunter went to the Cross Inn with friends and the defendant turned up, gesturing to her to go outside.

Mr Broadstock said: “He started screaming at her and accused her of cheating on him. He spat in her face and pushed her to the floor.”

He said Parker jumped into his car and started reversing towards her. Ms Hunter thought he only stopped because someone came into the car park. Ms Hunter reported the incident to the police, but did not wish to provide a statement at that stage, as she was scared about what he might do.

The following day, Parker called and threatened to “smash up” her car. On November 19, she returned to her car and found two of her tyres had been deflated. She changed her car, hoping Parker would not recognise her.

Prosecutors said Ms Hunter was going to the dentist on January 13 when she saw the defendant in a car.

She asked him why he was following her and he claimed he was just in the area, adding: “Good to know you’ve got a new car.”

A few days later, she went to visit a friend and Parker drove behind her, following her into the street. Again, she asked why he was following her and he said he had something for her.

The court heard he turned around and revved his engine, causing her to fear he was about to ram her car.

On January 21 she found him by her car again. He asked her who the man was she was with and accused her of sleeping with him.

Mr Broadstock said: “He tried to kiss her and she pushed him away. He got angry.” The court heard Parker told her: “You really need to think about this because things will get bad.”

Three days later, he threw milk shake over her car as she drove to the shops. She carried on driving, scared of what he might do if she stopped.

Prosecutors said the following day, Ms Hunter was giving her sister a lift when they heard a splash against the car. Mr Broadstock said Parker threw the liquid from a McDonald’s cup, but the complainant thought it was petrol or an accelerant of some sort.

She said the defendant knew she smoked in the car and sent her a message saying: “Burn baby burn.”

Ms Hunter went to the police and Parker was arrested the following day. He gave a prepared statement and denied making a threat about acid, damaging her car or throwing petrol.

He also denied assaulting her and claimed she had attacked him.

In a personal statement read out in court, Ms Hunter said she had been “petrified” about what he would do if he thought she had gone to the police.

She added: “I am scared for my family, myself and my friends. I am scared of what he may do.”

The court heard Parker had previous convictions against a former partner. Mr Broadstock suggested that showed a propensity for domestic violence. Parker, 23, from Llangwm Place in Rumney, admitted stalking and causing criminal damage.

Ruth Smith, defending, suggested he was immature and struggled to accept the relationship was over. She accepted his response was “inappropriate”. She told the court her client found his first experience of custody particularly difficult, due to his longterm mental health problems.

Recorder Clee said it would be “more constructive” to try and educate the defendant about how he should behave towards partners, rather than giving him a short prison sentence.

Recorder Clee gave Parker a twoyear community order, requiring him to complete the Building Better Relationships programme. He made an indefinite restraining order.

■ If you, or someone you know, has been affected by domestic violence, visit the Live Fear Free website or call the helpline on 0808 80 10 800.