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.