“This was not just a series of batteries, it was a cycle of control and violence that could have ended in tragedy”
18:03, 22 Apr 2025Updated 20:56, 22 Apr 2025
Jake Inglesby(Image: Merseyside Police)
A jealous, controlling boyfriend repeatedly kicked his then girlfriend in the head, leaving her “covered in blood”. Jake Inglesby, 33, abused and bullied his girlfriend throughout their three-year relationship – then harassed her when she finally dumped him.
The relationship began in 2021, and quickly became marred by violence as Inglesby lashed out and struck the woman just three months later.
At Liverpool Crown Court today, April 22, prosecutor Martin Walsh said: “There were occasions where the defendant took her phone from her when he saw her talking to friends on social media. There were occasions he would send messages to other people pretending to be her, and there were incidents of verbal abuse.
“She indicated he had spat in her face and grabbed her throat. On other occasions he struck her and pulled her hair and threw things, causing injuries to her.”
One assault occurred on London Road in Liverpool city centre on May 13 2023, when a witness heard the woman shouting “help me, help me”.
Mr Walsh said: “She then watched the defendant slap the victim and kick her to the head on several occasions until she was covered in blood.”
The witness intervened and punched Inglesby, who ran off towards the city centre. The victim then told the other woman that “it happened all the time”.
Inglesby also attacked the woman on December 27 2023 after accusing her of being unfaithful. Mr Walsh said: “The defendant began to assault her by punching her to the abdomen multiple times. He tore her clothes, grabbed her hair, pulled her to the floor, kicked and punched her body, and bit her on the foot.”
Domestic abuse help and support
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone.
NHS advice says if you are at risk of domestic abuse or violence you can:
The Survivor’s Handbook from Women’s Aid is free and gives information on issues such as housing, money, helping children and legal rights.
Men can email info@mensadviceline.org.uk, which can refer you to places that can help, such as health services and voluntary organisations.
SWACA – Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid offers free practical and emotional support to women, young people, and children suffering from domestic abuse. You can contact SWACA by phone on 0151 394 1400, by text on 07779745594 and by email at help@swaca.com
For forced marriage and “honour” crimes, contact Karma Nirvana (0800 5999 247) or The Forced Marriage Unit (020 7008 0151).
Merseyside-based charity Savera UK supports people at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other harmful practices. You can call their national helpline on 0800 107 0726 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
Galop provides support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.
Anyone who needs confidential help with their own abusive behaviour can contact Respect on their free helpline on 0808 802 4040.
He added that there had been another occasion when, following an argument, Inglesby had grabbed the woman’s hair and torn out her hair extensions and some of her real hair.
The woman ended the relationship in April 2024. But Inglesby continued to harass her over the phone, leaving threatening messages on a private number.
He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today via video link from HMP Oakwood, having previously been sentenced to five years and five months in prison for drug offences. He pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, two counts of assault, and harassment.
In a victim statement, his former partner said: “The abuse changed me in ways I never imagined. What started as control soon turned into fear and farm.
“It’s difficult to put into words what I went through. What I’m still going through. I didn’t recognise who I was in the mirror. I was made to feel like I was nothing, like I didn’t matter, like I didn’t serve love or even safety. There were nights when I cried silently just praying for it to stop.”
She said Inglesby’s abuse had caused her to lose confidence and distance herself from her family and friends. She said: “What happened to me wasn’t just a serious of arguments and batteries, it was a cycle of violence that could have ended in tragedy.”
Julian Nutter, defending, said Inglesby had completed a number of courses while in custody, including victim awareness, thinking skills, building better relationships, employability and finance. He said: “He’s determined to lead an honest and industrious life. Given that he has taken the bull by the horns, there’s room to move the case downwards.”
Sentencing Inglesby, Judge Simon Medland said: “The relationship had begun between you in love and harmony, but a few months later it descended into jealousy, abuse and control. Your conduct was greatly distressing and very frightening. There are many photos of her body bearing bruising inflicted by you.
“This was not just a series of batteries, it was a cycle of control and violence that could have ended in tragedy. Fortunately it did not, but the impact on her is significant and enduring.
“I’m prepared to accept that you are a long way towards the process of turning your life around and making sure you lead a life where you do not behave in this manner.”
He sentenced Inglesby to a total of 40 months in prison, and also made a 10 year restraining order banning him from contacting his ex-girlfriend.