Woman broke back escaping her abuser

A SWINDON woman was forced to leap from a window, fracturing her back in the process, to escape from a violent attacker.

Police were called to a Stratton property on December 29 after 27-year-old Jodie Barnes made her way to a neighbour’s house to call for assistance.

She was taken to hospital having suffered a fractured vertebrae trying to escape from her partner, Colin Hawkins, who had started to attack her.

Police say the 37-year-old tied up his victim and unleashed “numerous assaults” on her before being apprehended by officers a short while later.

Hawkins, of Cowleaze Walk, Stratton St Margaret, has pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

He was jailed for seven years at Swindon Crown Court.

He has also been handed an indefinite restraining order, banning him from contacting or trying to contact Ms Barnes.

Detective Constable Alex Doughty, from Wiltshire Police, said Ms Barnes told officers she had been beaten repeatedly, her hands and feet bound with cable ties and her head held under water.

DC Doughty praised her for coming forward.

He said: “This was a horrific case and Jodie’s impact statement outlined how fearful she was of Hawkins and what he would potentially do to her.

“Jodie told us, ‘I am in a permanent state of fight or flight... I am petrified to think what Colin could do. I don’t think I’d make it out alive if he came for me now.’

“Jodie has been so brave throughout this police investigation and court case and I wholeheartedly commend her for coming forward to report such horrific abuse.

“I hope she inspires other victims of domestic abuse to come forward and tell someone about what is happening to them. Please know that there is support out there and we can help keep you safe.

“Hawkins is a violent individual and a convicted domestic abuse perpetrator, who has now received a substantial custodial sentence. This case proves how seriously we take this sort of offending and the work we will do to safeguard victims and ensure offenders face justice.”

Officers are urging anyone who suffers domestic abuse to tell someone about what is happening to them.

Clare’s Law also allows people to request information from the police to find out if their own partner, or the partner of a friend or family member, poses a risk to them.