Chelmsford man who threatened woman with a sledgehammer jailed

Liam Middle, 40, from Chelmsford, Essex, has been jailed for three years for domestic abuse

A man who domestically abused a woman for almost 10 years and once threatened her with a sledgehammer has been jailed.

Liam Middle, 40, of Welland Avenue in Chelmsford, Essex, has been jailed for three years and has been given an indefinite restraining order.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced on 13 February at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Middle was arrested on 26 January and charged with making threats to kill, stalking and malicious communications.

He also breached a non-molestation order.

Essex Police said that towards the end of 2023, Middle's behaviour escalated and he threatened the woman with a sledgehammer.

The woman sent more than 1,500 messages to Middle that told him to "go away" and to "leave her alone", yet he continued to stalk and harass her.

'I am a survivor'

The woman spoke after the sentencing and said: "I do not sleep properly most nights and when I do, I have nightmares.

"I am fearful of leaving my house on my own, and fearful of even doing the simplest things alone.

"I had to run away to protect myself from him, I went through almost 10 years of abuse.

"Despite all of this, I am not a victim, I am a survivor."

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PC Karen Scott said: "It takes an immense amount of courage to report incidents of abuse.

"I would like to thank the woman in this case for their time and energy, for speaking up and for the vital role she played in building this case and helping us secure this conviction.

"Middle showed a constant disregard for those around him and tried to control others with his violent behaviour.

"He will now reflect on that behaviour in prison.

"This case sends a clear message that you will be listened to and you will be supported."