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A man who subjected his partner to a campaign of abuse has been jailed. Daniel Monks assaulted, harassed and threatened to kill the woman, continuing the harassment even after he had been handed a domestic violence protection order.
Monks, 32, of New Hall Road, Chesterfield, was handed the order on February 4, but later the same night went to the woman's home in Dronfield where he assaulted her, kicking her foot and leg. When she fell to the floor, he kicked her in the stomach before leaving the property.
After, he continued to call and send abusive messages to the woman and returned to her house to bang on the door and shout further abuse. She called the police, but Monks left before officers arrived.
He then continued to make abusive calls, threatening her and her family, which were heard by officers. He also repeatedly told her to retract her statement to police. Monks was arrested and subsequently charged.
The woman said in a victim impact statement: "I have experienced repeated emotional, psychological and physical abuse. There has not been a month I didn't experience an incident where I lived in constant fear, not just for my own safety but for the safety of my family.
"The emotional toll has been overwhelming. I've suffered panic attacks, nightmares and a deep sense of shame and guilt. I've had to ask for help just to feel safe in my own home. I no longer trust easily. I feel isolated, anxious and constantly on edge.
"This abuse has changed me. It has taken away my confidence, my peace of mind, and my sense of security.
"Despite everything, I am making slow but meaningful steps towards rebuilding my life. I am trying to regain my independence, my confidence and my peace of mind. It hasn't been easy but I am determined to move forward."
Monks admitted charges of assault, harassment and perverting the course of justice when he appeared at Derby Crown Court on July 21. He appeared before the same court for sentencing on Monday, September 1, where he was jailed for 12 months. He was also handed a restraining order banning him from having any contact with the woman for five years.
Detective Constable Christopher Millns, who led the investigation, said: "Monks terrorised this woman for years, abusing her physically, emotionally and mentally.
"Even when he was given a domestic violence protection order, he continued to contact her repeatedly, threatening both her and her family and showing complete contempt for the law. The levels of violence and aggression he showed towards her understandably left her fearing for her life and meant she didn't even feel safe in her own home.
"The effects of Monks' behaviour on her will continue to be felt for some time to come but I hope that today's sentence will allow her to start looking towards a much happier and more secure future."
Domestic abuse can affect both women and men and can occur in same sex relationships. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. It can be repeated, random or habitual, and is used to control a partner.
Victims of domestic abuse, or anyone who knows a victim, can report their concerns via the police's website, the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page or by calling 101. A list of organisations who can support victims can be found here.