Yarm, England – A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for launching a violent attack on his ex-girlfriend’s new partner in a drunken rage. Jordan Kelly, 23, armed with a knife, went on a rampage at a block of flats in Yarm, where his former partner and her new boyfriend resided, according to Teesside Crown Court.
Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw described Kelly’s actions as a result of a controlling and mentally abusive relationship that lasted seven years before it ended in July 2023. The court heard that Kelly had a history of threatening behavior, including taking a knife to bed and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend if she moved.
On September 8, Kelly confronted his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend at his flat in a fit of rage. He made death threats, held a knife with a 10-inch blade to the man’s throat, and proceeded to punch and bite him, leaving him with severe injuries.
The prosecutor stated that Kelly’s aggression escalated, with him expressing his desire for the couple to be dead. Following the attack, Kelly also assaulted his ex-girlfriend and resisted arrest by confronting a police officer. He had to be subdued using incapacitant spray due to his uncontrollable behavior.
During his time in the hospital, Kelly continued to threaten violence towards the couple, demonstrating a clear intention to instill fear and inflict harm. Both victims described feeling terrorized by Kelly’s actions, with the male victim suffering physical injuries, including impaired vision in one eye for three weeks.
The judge, Recorder Melly KC, condemned Kelly’s actions as a “prolonged and persistent” attack involving a highly dangerous weapon. In addition to the four-year prison sentence, an indefinite restraining order was issued to protect both victims from any further harm.
Kelly’s unsettling behavior in court, as he displayed signs of smirking and defiance during the testimonies of his victims, further highlighted the severity and impact of his actions. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.