A MAN has been jailed for four and a half years after a series of serious domestic assaults against his ex-partner.

William Hayward, 31 and of Summer Crescent in Stroud, was also convicted of perverting the course of justice, dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.

In May, August and September last year the victim, aged in her 30s, was violently attacked by Hayward. On one of these occasions, on 24 September, she jumped from a moving vehicle as she feared for her own life after Hayward threatened to kill her.

The injured woman managed to raise the alarm after fleeing to a neighbour's house and officers attended. A police pursuit then followed where Hayward rammed a marked police vehicle in the Birdlip area and he was arrested later that day.

On 24 September last year he was charged with three counts of domestic assault causing actual bodily harm, two counts of dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified - Hayward denied all the allegations.

He was remanded in custody and later charged with perverting the course of justice after he repeatedly called the victim from prison and tried to get her to retract her evidence.

Hayward was sentenced yesterday, Tuesday 20 March, at Gloucester Crown Court after changing his plea to guilty on the second day of his trial.

Detective constable Faye Satchwell-Bennett, the senior officer investigating the case, said: "The sentence imposed on Hayward reflects the serious nature of the offences and that domestic abuse will not be tolerated by the police, crown prosecution service or the court.

"Hayward manipulated the victim throughout this investigation and showed no remorse, believing he would escape justice.

"He went to extreme lengths to convince the victim to not work with police but we pursued him even though the victim was too petrified to work with us.

"This highlights how we will go after offenders wherever we can in order to protect the victims."

Hayward has multiple previous convictions for domestic assaults against previous partners and multiple driving offences, even though he has never held a driving licence.

While sentencing Hayward, Judge Ian Laurie described him as a "coward" and someone who clearly demonstrates a complete disregard for the opposite sex and an individual with very disturbing character traits.

The judge also issued a commendation to the officer in the case - due to the difficulties involved in it.

Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service is a county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families.

Heather Downer, Team Leader at GDASS, said: "At GDASS, where possible, we work with victims to help them and their children to stay safely in their own homes; offering access to legal advice and other specialist support agencies – where this is not possible, we can help people to find a place of safety.

"Your safety, and your family's safety, is the most important thing when considering your options. You can contact GDASS at any stage throughout your relationship, or situation, for advice, support, and to discuss your options."

For more information about GDASS and the service it provides, please visit www.gdass.org.uk.

To contact GDASS, please call 0845 602 9035 or email support@gdass.org.uk.