Leighton Buzzard man jailed after admitting to abusive behaviour
He caused his partner to feel unsafe in her own home
A man from Leighton Buzzard has been jailed for twenty months, after admitting to abusive behaviour which caused his partner to feel unsafe in her own home.
Mark Jakeman, aged 41, of Brooklands Drive, was sentenced on Friday (26 March) at Luton Crown Court after pleading guilty to engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, actual bodily harm and criminal damage.
Over their 18 month relationship, Jakeman hit and pushed her many times, causing injuries and bruising which she hid from her friends and family, from whom she became isolated.
He was continually verbally abusive, denying her food, breaking her possessions, and throwing things at her.
Jakeman was also cruel to her dog, knowing this would cause her much distress.
On 7 January, after enduring an "unbearable period" of constant physical and mental abuse, fuelled by alcohol and Jakeman’s anger during the Christmas and New Year period, she broke down at work and confided in colleagues who called the police.
Jakeman initially denied the charges, but pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to twenty months in jail, and made the subject of a 10-year restraining order.
Speaking to officers from Bedfordshire Police's Emerald team, his ex-partner said:
"I cannot believe that a person can do that to someone that they are supposed to love.
"The abuse was slow to start with and I couldn’t recognise what he was doing to me.
"In time it got worse, and then so bad that I was terrified in my home.
"I was constantly on edge and worrying.
"I was such a happy, bubbly person, but since being in a relationship with him, my self-esteem hit rock bottom.
"He used to put me down all the time and would constantly insult me; it made me feel worthless and not good enough.
"I didn’t tell anyone because I felt ashamed, and only feel safe now because he’s locked away and I know that he can’t hurt me."
Detective Constable Leila Dales, of the force’s Emerald team, said:
"Jakeman subjected his partner to a constant campaign of daily abuse in which he hurt her, wore her down, and isolated her, before she found the courage to seek help.
"Domestic abuse, in any form, is unacceptable and we know how hard it is for people to tell anyone what is happening to them.
"We are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and dedicated to providing support for victims.
"We would ask that you come forward so that we can investigate, and put offenders like Jakeman behind bars."
Bedfordshire Police is reassuring those experiencing abuse that despite the pandemic, support is still available, and they will continue to investigate and share information on how to make a report and find help.
To report domestic abuse, call police on 101, or visit a participating pharmacy and ask for "ANI".
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Victims of domestic abuse can also contact Signpost for free and confidential support, whether the abuse has been reported or not.