A violent abuser forced a terrified woman to jump from a third-storey window in a bid to escape his frantic attack.
Joseph Johnson threatened the victim with two knives while she was holding her ten-month old baby. The 25-year-old caused an injury to her stomach, repeatedly hit her in the face and threatened to kill her after she told him she wanted to end their relationship.
In a bid to escape, the woman left the baby in the property and jumped from the bedroom window. She fell more than six metres onto the ground below.
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As she lay injured, Johnson dragged the woman back inside. She managed to break free and run to a nearby witness for help.
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Johnson fled the incident as police officers rushed to the scene on February 19 this year. He was located at an address in South Shields, South Tyneside, following an extensive search and taken into custody.
While in his cell being seen to by officers, Johnson lunged at an officer’s Taser, grabbing it from its holster, before aiming it at the officers and threatening to pull the trigger. The officers were able to lock Johnson in his cell and negotiate with him to drop the weapon, which he did after a few minutes.
Johnson, of Marske Grove, Darlington, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, making threats to kill and possession of a firearm. He was jailed for seven years and three months at Teesside Crown Court in Middlesbrough last week.
Investigative Officer Heidi Weir, from Darlington’s Safeguarding Team, led the investigation. Police from different departments worked tirelessly to locate Johnson, and ensure he was charged, remanded into custody, and taken off the streets. The victim was heavily supported by one of Durham Constabulary ’s independent domestic violence advocates.
Officer Weir said: "Johnson is a dangerous individual who put his victim in so much fear by the level of violence he used that her only hope of survival was to jump from a third-storey window. This could have been fatal but thankfully she survived - albeit with serious injuries – and was immediately helped and supported by nearby residents.
Johnson’s victim has been incredibly brave throughout the course of this investigation, so I am pleased we have been able to get her the justice she so very deserves. The woman is now on the road to recovery, both physically and mentally, and I hope she can now build a better life for herself and her family."
The force has urged anyone who is suffering or knows someone who is suffering at the hands of an abuser to seek help. A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "Please know you are not alone – there are people who can and will help.
"Call police on 999 if there is an immediate threat. If you are unable to speak you can use the Silent Solutions service and directed by an automated system to press “55” if you need help. Police will do their best to communicate with you using yes/no questions."
Local charity Harbour also offers support for victims and survivors. Call 03000 20 25 25 or visit https://www.myharbour.org.uk/
Further advice and support can be found here https://www.durham.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Personal-safety/Domestic-abuse.aspx
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