Man who assaulted and threatened to kill partner is jailed

A man who subjected his partner to months of abuse during which he assaulted and repeatedly threatened to kill her has been jailed.

Reece Marshall attacked the woman so brutally on one occasion that he burst her kidney and broke her rib. On another date he gave her a black eye after throwing a TV remote at her.

He would frequently threaten to kill the woman and her young child and would also control what she did.

The physical and psychological abuse only came to light when the woman called police on 16 November 2023, reporting that Marshall was at her house in Ripley threatening her with a hammer.

He was arrested and then charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and harassment causing fear of violence.

The 34-year-old, of Herries Road, Sheffield, admitted the offences and appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentence on Friday 15 November when he was jailed for 15 months. He was also handed a restraining order banning him from having any contact with the woman for five years.

Detective Constable Joseph Collard, who led the investigation, said: “Marshall’s behaviour towards his partner was simply horrific. He left her living in constant fear for both her life and that of her baby. 

"She was controlled and subjected to brutal assaults on more than one occasion and I hope that following Marshall being jailed that she is now able to begin looking towards the future.

“We know that victims of domestic abuse can suffer in silence for years before they make contact with the police.

“However I’d encourage anyone who is suffering any form of domestic abuse to please come forward and talk to us. Our officers will listen without judgement and support you throughout as we work to bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Domestic abuse can affect both women and men and can occur in same sex relationships. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.

It can be repeated, random or habitual, and is used to control a partner.

If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, there are a number of ways you can report your concerns:

• Website– We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
• Facebook– send us private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• Twitter– direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call us on 101

In an emergency, where someone is in danger right now, call 999.

If you’re not ready to report to the police, please reach out for support. There are a number of organisations who can help. Please visit Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Derbyshire Constabulary for more details.