A man who subjected his partner to more than a decade of abuse has been jailed.

Michael Jones, 41, of Willowbank Gardens, Belfast, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Monday, April 20, after admitting two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

He also pleaded guilty to sending a photograph of his genitals to a second victim in March this year, intending to cause alarm, distress or humiliation.

Jones was jailed for two years and 10 months and handed restraining orders for life to protect both victims.

The court heard the abuse began in 2014, shortly after the relationship started. Jones became increasingly jealous and possessive, making baseless accusations of infidelity, controlling his partner financially and isolating her from friends and family.

He was also described as demeaning towards her and repeatedly caused damage to their home.

On December 24, 2021, Jones became violent, grabbing the victim by the hair, pushing her to the ground, spitting in her face and kicking her in the stomach before damaging her car.

In a further attack on December 28, 2024, he punched her, threw her into a door, repeatedly kicked her, spat at her and threw her across the room.

The victim reported the abuse to police in March this year. Jones was subsequently charged and remanded in custody until sentencing.

Investigating officer DC Annie Britton praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward.

“I commend the victim for her courage to report over a decade of abusive behaviour and supporting the investigation throughout,” she said.

“Despite ending the relationship, the victim continued to receive messages of abuse and threats from Jones, including a threat to stab her in the neck.

“Nobody should live in fear or ever be made to feel unsafe in their home.

“We remain fully committed to protecting victims of domestic abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“Anyone experiencing abuse, or concerned for the welfare of someone else, is urged to contact us – we will listen, we will support you and we will act.”