Batley man who held former partner by the throat in her own home is jailed

Lewis Kershaw, 33, had been in a relationship with the woman for around three years and they had children together, Leeds Crown was told.

The court heard the relationship had deteriorated and the couple split up some time ago.

Jessica Heggie, prosecuting, said the 12 month restraining order was imposed on November 26, 2019, four days after Kershaw admitted offences of battery and criminal damage.

The order banned Kershaw, of Upper Road, Batley, from contacting the woman or going to her street in Dewsbury

On August 30, the woman was at home with her children when Kershaw turned up and started banging on the windows and shouting to be let in.

When the woman refused he started kicking the door and threw stones at the window.

On September 5, Kershaw entered the woman's home without permission.

Miss Heggie said: "He grabbed the complainant by the throat using both hands, squeezed it and lifted her off the floor."

Miss Heggie said between September 5 and 9, Kershaw sent the woman abusive and threatening text messages calling her 'a rat' and a 'scrubber' and threatening to 'stamp her head in.'

Miss Heggie said on September 10, Kershaw went to the woman's home and threatened to 'torch' her sister's car.

Kershaw admitted four charges of breaching a restraining order.

He has 50 previous convictions for 20 offences, including offences of violence and dishonesty. and 29 breaches of court orders.

Ian Hudson, mitigating, said: "He is deeply regretful and remorseful."

Judge Neil Clark jailed Kershaw for 27 months and imposed a five year restraining order.