Ambleside attack left woman fearing she would be 'killed'

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James Shaw custody photographImage source, Cumbria Police
Image caption,

James Shaw barged into the woman's house after throwing a brick through a window

A man left his ex-partner fearing she would be "killed" after he attacked her in her own home, a court has been told.

James Shaw barged his way into the woman's Ambleside property and punched her several times to the side of the face, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

The 31-year-old, from Kendal, then knocked her back down when she got up, leaving her in "unbelievable" pain.

Shaw admitted causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage, and was jailed for two years and three months.

The court was told the pair had split four days before the attack, which happened at about midnight on 24 August.

Having thrown a brick through the living room window, Shaw entered the property with the woman retreating into the hallway and begging him to leave.

A neighbour had heard him say "you deserve it" and "I can do whatever I want".

He was eventually dragged away by a friend, with police having been called by the neighbour.

Going 'radge'

A scan at hospital showed that the woman had suffered a facial fracture.

Prosecutor Brendan Burke said she had taken pictures of herself in the aftermath "and sent them to the defendant so that he understood what he had done".

In an initial statement to police, the woman had said: "But for the presence of my friend in the property, I really believed he would have killed me."

In communications with the woman, Shaw spoke of going "radge" and, after being released on bail, sent her a message seeking to deter her from assisting in any prosecution against him.

The court heard the woman had since made a retraction statement and indicated her wish to remain in a relationship with Shaw, of Longlands View.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, said there were a number of issues Shaw had to address before any safe reconciliation could occur.

The court heard he had numerous convictions including for violence against women, robbery and drug and alcohol abuse.

Recorder Julian Shaw described photographs of the woman's injuries as "shocking", and he warned Shaw to "curb your aggression and stop attacking vulnerable women".

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