Man hit his former girlfriend, stole bracelet and fled police

A DERBY man hit his ex-girlfriend and stole a bracelet that he had bought for her as a Christmas present.

Jake Bennett, who had split with his girlfriend several months earlier, called to say he was outside her Ilkeston home on December 21. The 20-year-old, of Cowsley Road, Chaddesden, also video called her and showed her a knife. When he found out she was at the pub, he warned that anyone who came back to the house would “get it”.

When she returned home with a friend, Bennett followed her in. She then spotted a knife on the floor.

Prosecuting at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, solicitor Sarah Haslam said Bennett told his ex that he wanted “his bracelet” back.

Ms Haslam said: “He grabbed her hand in both of his hands and took the bracelet from her wrist. There was then a scuffle in the living room. He then hits her to the right side of her face.”

She was left with scratches on her wrist and redness to her face. Ms Haslam said Bennett tried to stop his ex from alerting the authorities.

She said: “[She] says he then pulled her into the bathroom and told her he was sorry, and not to call the police.”

However, the police were called and Ms Haslam said that, as they arrived, Bennett jumped out of the window.

Bennett admitted theft of the bracelet and assault. The chair of the bench, Jacqueline Storer, asked Bennett how he felt about what happened. He replied: “It was a drunken mistake. I feel bad.”

Ms Storer sentenced Bennett to do 200 hours’ unpaid work within the next year and to pay his ex £700 in compensation. He was also told to pay a victim surcharge of £85 and another £85 in costs.

She also granted his ex-girlfriend a restraining order, which means Bennett is not allowed to contact her or visit her home address.