A former Stevenage man has been sentenced after punching and beating his former partner with a belt.
Billy Smith, 24, had been in a relationship with the woman for around six months, during summer this year (2022).
On one occasion - outside Stevenage High Street's Mulberry Tree pub - Smith punched his victim in the face following an argument.
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The assault left her with a cut to her mouth.
On another occasion - outside the Tranquil Turtle in Symonds Green Lane - he grabbed her by the hair and beat her to the ground using a belt.
Smith then forced her to walk home with no shoes on, while threatening her with violence.
According to Hertfordshire police, his victim has since admitted that she thought he was going to kill her.
Upon ending the relationship, Smith "bombarded" his ex-partner with abuse and threats.
As Hertfordshire Constabulary arrested the individual on July 27, he punched a female officer, causing her nose to bleed.
Smith later pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, assaulting an emergency worker and breaching a restraining order with a different victim.
The now-Dunstable man appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Friday, October 21, where he was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars.
Billy Smith was also given an indefinite restraining order, preventing him from contacting the victim.
Investigator Jayne Atkin said: "Smith’s actions have had a huge impact on the victim’s life.
"No one should live in fear of physical harm from their partner.
“We were able to build a case against Smith, with the victim’s support and bravery, demonstrating that he was responsible for the injuries and psychological abuse inflicted on her.”
DS Louise Cleary added: "I am pleased that the court recognised the harm he had caused and served him a custodial sentence, with an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim from further abuse.
"I would like to thank the victim for her bravery and support for this investigation, and staff at the Tranquil Turtle for assisting in the investigation.”
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