Domestic abuser broke his partner’s jaw in two places

A 34-year-old man who broke his partner’s jaw in two places during a terrifying assault has been jailed.

On the morning of January 23, 2024, David Kilborn invited his partner over for drinks at his home address in Northampton.

However not long after she arrived, he launched a brutal attack on her.

During the assault, he punched and kicked her multiple times in the face, causing her to drift in and out of consciousness.

Following the attack, Kilborn told the woman that she couldn’t go to hospital “looking like that” and that she wasn’t to leave the property unless he said so.

However, two days later on January 25, the woman managed to make contact with a trusted friend who helped her escape whilst Kilborn took a shower.

The friend drove her to hospital where she was told she’d broken her jaw in two places and would have to have a metal plate and screws put in.

The woman also suffered a black eye as a result of the attack, as well as damage to her nasal wall, bruising to her throat, and ribcage pain.

Whilst she was in hospital, Kilborn sent her multiple text messages, telling her he wanted to marry her and repeatedly stating how much he loved her.

However, she bravely told him there was no way back for them after the attack and she called police to report what he had done.

Kilborn was arrested and subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm. After pleading guilty to the charge at Northampton Crown Court, he was sentenced last week (August 23) to three years and four months in prison.

During the sentencing hearing, the survivor had a victim personal statement read out, part of which stated: “The injury to my jaw has been the most painful experience of my life, it has caused me to have days where I could not eat at all. I find it difficult to laugh, smile and talk because the screws rub the inside of my cheeks causing me more pain.”

Lead investigator - Detective Constable Iona Channer said: “This was an absolutely horrific assault which has left the survivor in this case suffering with ongoing pain, both physically and mentally.

“I want to commend her for the courage she has shown, not only to walk away from this relationship but to report it to us and support our investigation. Because of her bravery, a domestic abuser has been sent to prison and is unable to hurt anyone else. She should be proud of that and I hope the conclusion of this case allows her to move forward and continue with her recovery onto happier times.

“Tackling domestic abuse is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police and we will continue working hard to put more people like David Kilborn behind bars.”

Love should lift you up and make you feel safe and happy.

It shouldn't make you feel anxious, fearful and controlled.

If you are suffering in a relationship, please come forward.

You deserve better.

We will believe you.

If you need our help please ring 101 or in an emergency – 999. If you would prefer to report online, you can visit www.northants.police.uk/ro.

If you have been a victim of a domestic abuse but are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965. Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.