16/06/2025
Greenisland Man Jailed For Years Of Domestic Abuse
A Greenisland man has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment, with a minimum of five and a half years to be spent in custody, for a sustained campaign of domestic abuse spanning six years.
James Oakes, 38, pleaded guilty to 43 counts of domestic abuse, including grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, common assault, criminal damage and threats to kill.
The sentence was handed down at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, 13th June, with the PSNI acknowledging the outcome.
Detective Constable Gavin Harvey described the case as "a significant and prolonged case of domestic abuse," revealing that the victim was subjected to "a campaign of violent attacks" that began in December 2014 and concluded in December 2020.
DC Harvey detailed the horrific nature of the abuse: "Oakes is a violent, cold and calculating man who exerted control over his victim for many years through fear. She was subjected to punches, kicks, strangulation, a cigarette being extinguished on her face and on one occasion struck her repeatedly about the hands, arms and stomach with a hammer. She was threatened with an axe and he hit her with a metal log holder to her arms and legs resulting in a laceration to her head. Following a threat to kill he began digging in the victim's garden and told her that he was digging her grave."
He added: "It is shocking the abuse he subjected his victim to over such a prolonged period of time, no one should have to live like that."
Detective Constable Harvey commended the victim's immense courage in pursuing the case through the criminal justice system. "It is incredibly brave that the victim in this case reported and saw this case through the criminal justice process to get to sentencing today. She pushed through the fear barrier he built around her and fought for justice."
The PSNI reiterated its commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse. "Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and it is unacceptable. If you are being subjected to coercive controlling behaviour or violence, please report it to us or the 24 hour Domestic Violence helpline. We can help you."
For support and advice regarding domestic abuse, contact the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414.
James Oakes, 38, pleaded guilty to 43 counts of domestic abuse, including grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, common assault, criminal damage and threats to kill.
The sentence was handed down at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, 13th June, with the PSNI acknowledging the outcome.
Detective Constable Gavin Harvey described the case as "a significant and prolonged case of domestic abuse," revealing that the victim was subjected to "a campaign of violent attacks" that began in December 2014 and concluded in December 2020.
He added: "It is shocking the abuse he subjected his victim to over such a prolonged period of time, no one should have to live like that."
Detective Constable Harvey commended the victim's immense courage in pursuing the case through the criminal justice system. "It is incredibly brave that the victim in this case reported and saw this case through the criminal justice process to get to sentencing today. She pushed through the fear barrier he built around her and fought for justice."
The PSNI reiterated its commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse. "Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and it is unacceptable. If you are being subjected to coercive controlling behaviour or violence, please report it to us or the 24 hour Domestic Violence helpline. We can help you."
For support and advice regarding domestic abuse, contact the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 April 2025
Ministers Witness 'Transformative' Work Of Domestic Abuse Charity
The Ministers of Justice and Health have visited Women’s Aid in Ballymena to see firsthand the impact of their Family First programme, which provides early intervention support to those affected by domestic abuse.
Ministers Witness 'Transformative' Work Of Domestic Abuse Charity
The Ministers of Justice and Health have visited Women’s Aid in Ballymena to see firsthand the impact of their Family First programme, which provides early intervention support to those affected by domestic abuse.
24 March 2009
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
11 February 2009
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
29 October 2013
PSNI Criticised Over Domestic Abuse Handling
The PSNI has been criticised over how it deals with incidents of domestic abuse. A new report released by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has revealed concern over "limited progress on domestic violence and abuse inspection recommendations.
PSNI Criticised Over Domestic Abuse Handling
The PSNI has been criticised over how it deals with incidents of domestic abuse. A new report released by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has revealed concern over "limited progress on domestic violence and abuse inspection recommendations.
16 February 2023
38-Year-Old Man Jailed For Number Of Sexual Offences
At Coleraine Crown Court a 38-year-old Belfast man has been sentenced to six years for a number of sexual offences. The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of attempted rape, assault and attempt to choke with intent to commit an indictable offence.
38-Year-Old Man Jailed For Number Of Sexual Offences
At Coleraine Crown Court a 38-year-old Belfast man has been sentenced to six years for a number of sexual offences. The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of attempted rape, assault and attempt to choke with intent to commit an indictable offence.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.