A violent County Durham man who used a pair of mole grips to try and pull out his victim's teeth has been jailed for four years.

Jack Robson, 21, of Leadgate, kicked, punched, and bit the victim, causing her to lose consciousness on multiple occasions. 

During one horrific incident on May 17, Robson used a pair of mole grips to try and pull out her teeth and made her choose a drill which he said he planned to use to take her eye out.

Robson also controlled the victim’s movements and finances, making her delete all of her social media apps and games on her phone and monitor her text messages.

Jack RobsonJack Robson (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

He would hold her against her will and made numerous threats, stating he would kill her, her family or her pets if she ever left him.

The brave victim sought medical assistance after the assault in May and came forward to the police, where she met with the safeguarding team and courageously disclosed her account.

Robson was then arrested, interviewed and later charged with intentional strangulation and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Jack Robson used a pair of mole grips to try and pull out the victim’s teeth, he also made her choose a drill which he said he planned to use to take her eye out. Jack Robson used a pair of mole grips to try and pull out the victim’s teeth, he also made her choose a drill which he said he planned to use to take her eye out. (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

He appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday (September 27) and was sentenced to four years in prison and also issued a restraining order.

“I believe you. 𝗪𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂.”

Investigative Officer Ashley Marsden, from the West Safeguarding team said: “The courage and strength shown by the woman has been truly commendable – her support for our investigation has resulted in Robson being put behind bars.

“The sentencing will not take away the pain and horrific memories of what happened however I hope it will enable her to start to move forward.

“If you have had a similar experience, please tell us – you will be listened to.

We know it can be difficult, but we have specially trained officers who will support you every step of the way.

“I believe you. 𝗪𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂.”

To report your experience, please call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit the force's online reporting page here: https://tinyurl.com/ycxyx9tm

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If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help.

The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk

Local charity Harbour provides support to those experiencing domestic abuse. Call03000 20 25 25 or visit www.myharbour.org.uk