John Costello was previously jailed for controlling every aspect of a former partner’s life John Costello, from Bootle, is wanted by police John Costello, from Bootle, is wanted by police (Image: Merseyside Police )

A man who was previously jailed for punching a former partner in the face and controlling her life is wanted by police. Merseyside Police said John Costello, from Bootle, could have information about a domestic incident.

Officers said they would like to speak to the 39-year-old following an alleged breach of a restraining order. Back in 2019, Costello admitted engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and assault causing actual bodily harm.

He cried in the dock as he was jailed for 18 months and handed a five-year restraining order. The court heard at the time that he humiliated and degraded his long-suffering partner, sometimes in front of their three children.

The jealous thug controlled every aspect of her life, including who she spoke to and what clothes she wore. And it led to the heartbreaking situation when their two-year-old daughter repeated his cruel jibes.

The brave victim found the courage to split up with Costello. But Costello went to his victim’s home and subjected her to a cowardly morning attack on August 9 that year.

 John Costello, from Bootle, is wanted by police John Costello, from Bootle, is wanted by police (Image: Merseyside Police )

He let himself into her house, pushed her into a wall, then when she went outside, punched her in the face. She suffered a bloodied and swollen nose, plus pain and bruising to her arms, legs, back and head.

If you see him or have any information about his whereabouts, contact police via @MerPolCC on X, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, or call 101 with reference 25000588350.

You can also anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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