Man who fled from Bedfordshire to Northern Ireland jailed over assault
He has been jailed for two years and 11 months
Last updated 1st Nov 2021
A man who assaulted his ex-partner before fleeing from Bedfordshire to Northern Ireland has been jailed for almost three years.
Gary Clark, aged 30, of no fixed abode, also breached non-molestation orders that were in place to protect two former partners.
Clark fled Bedfordshire as police attempted to arrest him and issued his image as a wanted man.
He was eventually tracked to Northern Ireland and arrested before being brought back to Bedfordshire.
Clark pleaded guilty to two breaches of non-molestation orders, assault, criminal damage and failing to surrender to lawful custody.
A non-molestation order is aimed at preventing a partner or ex-partner from using or threatening violence against somebody or their child, or intimidating, harassing or pestering them, in order to ensure health, safety and well-being.
On 19 October at Luton Crown Court, Clark was jailed for two years and 11 months.
Detective Constable Brendan Street, who led the investigation, said:
"We would like to recognise the bravery of the victim for coming forward.
"We are also really grateful for the support of our colleagues in Northern Ireland, as they played a big part in apprehending Clark and bringing him to justice.
"Non-molestation orders are put in place for good reason to protect victims.
"Clark had no disregard for these really important orders and this case demonstrates that we take any breaches extremely seriously.
"Hopefully this case will serve as a deterrent to violent offenders and warn anyone committing domestic abuse that we will continue to pursue them regardless where they are."
People can find out more about domestic abuse, the police response and where to get help on the Bedfordshire Police website.
For anybody who has been affected by crime, Signpost offers free and confidential support to victims in Bedfordshire, whether it has been reported to police or not, and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred.
Contact 0800 0282887 or visit Signpost for Bedfordshire for further information.