Publication date:
A judge at Belfast Crown Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man to a total of 15 years for 43 counts in relation to domestic abuse.
The extended custodial sentence is comprised of 11 years in custody followed by an extended period of four years on licence when he is released from jail.
James Oakes from Greenisland, Co Antrim, was convicted of offences including malicious wounding, common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, attempted grievous bodily harm, making threats to kill and criminal damage carried out against a female victim over a six year period.
Mairead Lavery, a Senior Public Prosecutor in the Public Prosecution Service, said: “I commend the bravery, fortitude and dignity of the victim who found the courage to speak out and to engage with police and the PPS to enable us to prosecute Oakes for his heinous and cowardly behaviour.
“I hope the conclusion of proceedings today brings a sense of closure for the victim and allows her to start to move forward with the life that she deserves.”
Ms Lavery urged other victims of domestic abuse to seek help.
“Domestic abuse is a crime and should never be tolerated. Anyone of any gender can be a victim. I hope this case also shows other victims who are experiencing domestic violence that they will be listened to by police and by the PPS,” she said.
“We consider every case of domestic abuse we receive from police carefully, sensitively and objectively. Our prosecutors are trained to understand how complex domestic abuse can be, and the impact of trauma on victims and witnesses. Where we have sufficient evidence, we will prosecute perpetrators. I want to assure victims that we in the PPS work with police to ensure victims are treated with respect and given clear information, whatever the outcome of their case.
“We know that domestic abusers will rarely stop on their own. Anyone can be a victim, or a perpetrator, of domestic abuse. If you are experiencing abuse, be aware that there are organisations who can help, advise and offer support and can assist you to report to police.”
Notes to editors:
More information on how we handle cases involving domestic abuse can be found on our website. The PPS Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Domestic Abuse can be found here.
There is more information about how to report domestic abuse to police, and details of support organisations, on the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s website.
Some support organisations for victims:
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call: 0808 802 1414. Email: help@dsahelpline.org www.dsahelpline.org
Victim Support NI. Call: 028 90243133. Email: info@victimsupportni.org.uk www.victimsupportni.com
NSPCC: Call: 0808 800 5000. For Childline: Call 08001111 Email: help@nspcc.org.uk www.nspcc.org.uk
Women’s Aid Federation NI: Call: 028 9024 9041 Email: info@womensaidni.org www.womensaidni.org
The Men’s Advisory Project (MAPNI) Call: 02890 241929 (Belfast), 02871 160001 (Foyle). Email: info@mapni.co.uk
The Rainbow Project: Call: 02890 319090 Email: info@rainbow-project.org www.rainbow-project.org
Nexus NI. Call: 028 90326803 Email: help@dsahelpline.org https://nexusni.org
ASSIST NI Domestic and Sexual Abuse Advocacy Service. Email: info@assistni.org.uk. www.assistni.org.uk