Yarm: Man jailed for violent attack on ex and boyfriend

A man who launched a violent attack on his ex-girlfriend's new partner has been jailed for four years.

Jordan Kelly was drunk and armed with a knife when he went on a rampage at a block of flats in Yarm, where his ex and her new boyfriend lived, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He was in a "screaming rage" and made multiple death threats, and punched and bit the man, the court heard.

Kelly, 23, admitted offences including assault causing actual bodily harm.

Kelly had been with the woman for about seven years before their relationship ended in July 2023, prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said.

Mr Wardlaw said it was a "controlling and mentally abusive" relationship, and Kelly would take a knife to bed and threaten the woman he would kill her if she moved.

On 8 September, Kelly went to her new boyfriend's flat and angrily confronted the man, who had been a friend of his.

Mr Wardlaw said Kelly made multiple threats to kill the couple and himself, held a knife with a 10in (25cm)-blade against the man's throat, then punched him repeatedly knocking him to the ground.

He also bit the man's arm and tried to bite his face, the court heard, and said if he could not have his ex-girlfriend, no-one could.

"As long as you and her are dead that's worth it for me," Kelly told the male victim, Mr Wardlaw said.

There was also a struggle with his ex-girlfriend and, after being arrested, Kelly pushed a police officer against a wall and tried to kick him.

Mr Wardlaw said Kelly was "screaming with rage" throughout, and an incapacitant spray had to be used to stop him.

Later at hospital he told police he would stab the couple.

"His intention was to cause significant fear or inflict serious violence," the prosecutor added.

Kelly's male victim said he genuinely feared for his life and had been left unable to see out of one eye for three weeks, as well as suffering other injuries.

Kelly's ex-partner said he was "obsessed" with her and she lived in fear of him.

As both victim statements were read to the court, Kelly, appearing via video link from HMP Durham, could be repeatedly seen rolling his eyes, shaking his head and smirking.

Kelly, of Station Road, Seamer, North Yorkshire, admitted affray, assault by beating and causing actual bodily harm, possession of a bladed article, assaulting an emergency worker and making threats to kill.

The judge, Recorder Melly KC, said it was a "prolonged and persistent" attack that involved a "highly dangerous weapon".

An indefinite restraining order for both victims was also made.

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