Violent bully labelled 'danger to women' as he attacks third girlfriend

A violent boyfriend was branded a "danger to women" after he attacked his third partner. Nathan Lockley kicked the victim which caused her to fall down the stairs. The 29-year-old also punched her, pushed her and ripped her clothes during a terrifying attack.

He then threatened to kill her family in a post on Facebook. Lockley was jailed for three-and-a-half years at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. James Hudson, prosecuting, said Lockley and his partner were out drinking on the evening of May 26.

She wanted to be taken back to her own home but instead, Lockley drover her to his address in Vale View, Newcastle, at around 2am.

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An argument broke out and the victim was punched in the face at least twice and pushed around the property. After calling down the stairs, she was left cowering by the door near Lockley’s tools and he threatened to hit her with a hammer, StokeonTrentLive reports.

The victim fled and alerted a nearby petrol station for help. She was no longer in a relationship with Lockley, the court heard.

Another incident saw Lockley become embroiled in a fight with a man called Damien Galligher while drinking in The Auctioneer pub in Hanley, Staffordshire. The two headed outside where Lockley pushed Galligher in the neck, causing him to fall to the floor.

Once back on his feet, Lockley punched Galligher in the face before repeating 'Ha, I banged you'. Galligher was left with a fractured jaw and had to have metal plates and screws in his jaw to fix the damage.

Lockley was previously jailed for beating two former partners in 2016 and in 2022. He has 20 convictions for 33 offences and pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, threats to kill and threats to commit criminal damage. He also admitted a charge of GBH against Galligher.

Passing sentence, Recorder Robert Smith told him: "You are a convicted domestic abuser. You are a dangerous man, I think you are a danger to women. You have repeatedly offended in youth and in adulthood and two of those offences were for battery against ex partners in 2016 and in 2022.

"With your new partner there were a number of fractures, carpet burns, bruises and swelling - especially to her face and nose. You were arrested and told the police officers a pack of lies during your interview.

"This was a prolonged incident; you'd punched her, kicked her causing her to fall down a flight of stairs, and you continued by threatening to hit her with a hammer. You sent a video of her grandmother’s property and threatened to burn it down, you said you would kill her and her family on Facebook, and how you'd bury her alive, dig her up and then drown her - that is an utterly disgusting manner.

“Domestic abuse is particularly serious, and the aggravating features are previous convictions for violence, previous convictions against previous partners, and because the offence took place in a domestic setting. You are not afraid of hard work, but you have struggled with alcohol problems.

“You are a danger to women, particularly those you have or will be in an intimate relationship with. These offences are so serious that only immediate custodial sentences are appropriate.

“You are a bully and a coward, what happened in your younger years is no excuse for your conduct to [the victim]. You condone violence, particularly violence towards women. Your next partner is your next potential victim. You have a problem with aggression. It is not lost on me that although the injury was very serious, he [Galligher] did go up to Lockley and asked him for a fight."

Domestic abuse help

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone - find out how and where to get help.

Contact Women's Aid though its confidential helpline on 0808 800 0028.

Advice from the NHS says that if you are at risk of domestic abuse or violence you can:

• talk to your doctor, health visitor or midwife
• women can call 0808 2000 247, the free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge.
• men can call the Men's Advice Line free on 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or ManKind on 01823 334 244
• in an emergency, call 999

The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid is free, and provides information for women on a wide range of issues, such as housing, money, helping your children, and your legal rights.

Men can also email info@mensadviceline.org.uk, which can refer men to local places that can help, such as health services and voluntary organisations.

For forced marriage and "honour" crimes, contact Karma Nirvana (0800 5999 247) or The Forced Marriage Unit (020 7008 0151).

Galop provides support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.

Anyone who needs confidential help with their own abusive behaviour can contact Respect on their free helpline on 0808 802 4040.

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