Hertfordshire man jailed after beating woman with belt

Billy Smith, 24, punched the woman causing a cut to her mouth after an argument outside the Mulberry Tree pub in Stevenage last summer, St Albans Crown Court heard.

On a separate occasion, he grabbed her by the hair and beat her to the ground with a belt outside the Tranquil Turtle restaurant. He then forced her to walk home without shoes while threatening violence – leaving the victim fearing for her life.

The pair had been together for around six months.

Former Stevenage man Billy Smith has been jailed. (Image: Herts Police)

After she ended their relationship, Smith bombarded her with abuse and threats. He was arrested on July 27, during which he punched a female officer causing a nosebleed.

Former Stevenage man Smith, now of Westminster Gardens near Dunstable, pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, assaulting an emergency worker and breaching a restraining order with a different victim.

He was sentenced to two years and four months’ prison and given an indefinite restraining order.

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Investigator Jayne Atkin hailed the woman's bravery, adding: “Smith’s actions have had a huge impact on the victim’s life. No one should live in fear of physical harm from their partner.” 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call 0300 790 6772. More advice is available here.

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