April 7, 2020 4.18 pm This story is over 46 months old

Victim feared for her life as ex launched brutal attack in her home

He was jailed for over three-and-a-half years

A 28-year-old man living in Lincolnshire has been jailed for over three-and-a-half years for punching, kicking and tormenting his ex-partner.

Lance Smith, of Baron Mews in Market Deeping, but formerly from March, had conditions in place for him not to contact his former girlfriend after reports of violence and domestic abuse when they were in a relationship.

However, he ignored those conditions and the victim received a phone call from an unknown number on December 20, 2019. The caller said “it’s not Lance”, but she recognised it to be him before receiving a further 25 calls in the space of 10 minutes.

Those calls were also believed to be from Smith, including one where the caller said “you’ve got a big surprise coming your way”, which prompted the victim to pack a bag ready to leave her Fenland home that evening.

The victim heard a loud smash at the front of her house. She saw Smith and that her car had been crashed into and forced through a small wooden fence to the side of the house.

Smith forced his way into the house and launched several punches to her face, forcing the victim to the floor and knocking her unconscious. He continued the violent attack and kicked her while she was lying on the ground. She was fearful for her life and begged him to stop.

Cambridgeshire Police carried out a manhunt for Smith and when he was found in Wisbech later the same evening he was cautioned by officers. He said: “I’m going to do some serious time for this aren’t I?”.

Smith was charged with five counts of criminal damage to a window, car, fence, mobile phone and custody cell. He was also charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, assault by beating and engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour.

He admitted the offences when he appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday, April 2, where he was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.

DC Chris Goodman, who investigated, said: “This is a significant amount of time to be given in prison and shows the serious nature of Smith’s offending.

“The victim had the courage to walk away from what was a violent relationship, however she continued to suffer at the hands of Smith.

“I applaud her for her bravery in assisting us with this case and hope that knowing her ex-partner is now behind bars will go some way in helping her to move on from this traumatic ordeal.”