A man has been jailed after he threatened to “execute” his ex-partner less than a month after being released from prison for domestic abuse charges. Gavin Boot, 33, had been visiting his former partner at her home in Peterborough on 17 August when an argument broke out between the pair.
Despite a restraining order against him, Boot managed to manipulate his way into the victim’s home following his release from prison. When she discovered messages on his phone, it triggered a violent outburst.
Boot caused damage to the victim’s property, threatened her with violence, and stopped her from leaving her own home when she tried to escape.
After pleading with Boot, the victim managed to flee to a friend’s house in fear of his violence. However, he followed her there, continuing the onslaught of threatening phone calls and text messages.
Boot sent the victim photos of himself outside the friend’s house and, in one message, threatened to “execute” her. He then drove his car at speed towards the house, threatening to crash into it, before turning off the home’s electricity, which required emergency repairs.
When the victim attempted to escape to her parents’ home, Boot followed her again, threatening to “run her off the road”. He continued harassing her throughout the day and sent a video of himself outside her parents’ house.
The victim reported Boot’s behaviour to police. He handed himself in at Thorpe Wood Police Station on 19 August, where he was arrested.
At Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, acting as a crown court, on Friday (20 February), Boot, of no fixed address, was jailed for two years and eight months after admitting sending communications threatening death or serious harm, criminal damage and making threats to kill.
PC Roberto Scialla Cooper, who investigated, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who genuinely feared for her safety as a result of Boot’s threats.
“He clearly hasn’t learnt from his time in prison for previous domestic abuse charges so I am pleased he is back behind bars.
“Domestic abuse should never be tolerated, and I encourage anyone in similar circumstances to report the attacks to the police as soon as possible.”
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can view police advice and reporting pages, which also explain how to hide your search: https://www.cambs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/how-to-report-domestic-abuse/
