Woman fractures spine in jump from Daventry first-floor window to escape angry partner

A terrified woman fractured her back jumping out of a first-floor window trying to escape her angry partner during a row over her outfit for a night out.

Northampton Crown Court heard how 28-year-old Curtis Thomas Peachment attempted to batter down a bathroom door where the victim had locked herself in.

The woman — who is not named to protect her identity — was so scared she she climbed out of the first-floor window, falling onto the floor below.

Despite yelling at him not to touch her, Peachment picked her up and took her back into the house before locking the door.

An ambulance was called a short time later and medics discovered the woman suffered fractured vertebrae, a cut to the back of her head, bruising to her eye and a swollen lip.

Peachment, of Bowen Square, Daventry, pleaded guilty to harassment and was found guilty by a jury of false imprisonment. He will be sentenced on June 14.

The court heard the pair had been getting ready to visit a local bar in February 2019 when Peachment took issue with what the woman was wearing.

This row made her feel so uncomfortable that the evening was cut short but Peachment began berating her again for her clothing choices later.

Peachment lost his temper as the woman made to leave, yanking off her shoes and throwing them across the room then telling her that she was not allowed to go.

He then shoved and hit the victim before she finally persuaded him to let her go to the bathroom.

Lead Investigator, DC Andrea Taylor, said: “It is difficult for most people to imagine the level of fear it takes for someone to willingly jump out of a first-floor window. But this is exactly what domestic abusers do to their victims ... induce terror.

“I cannot overstate the courage it takes for someone who has experienced abuse like this not only to come forward and tell the police, but to support a prosecution.

“The woman in this case has shown immense bravery and I am so proud of her for supporting our case throughout – she has waited a long time for this to get to court and I am pleased that the right result has been achieved.

"I hope this case shows that Northamptonshire Police will take reports like this with the seriousness and diligence that they deserve.”