Man who threatened to kill woman he assaulted jailed for three years

A Northampton man who threatened to kill a woman he repeatedly assaulted and harassed has been jailed for more than three years and given a 10-year restraining order.

Mitchell Mills, aged 28, was reported to Northamptonshire Police in July 2023 after he breached a non-molestation order preventing him from approaching his former partner.

When officers spoke to her, she went on to reveal several incidents between 2019 and 2021 where Mills had assaulted her or threatened to kill her.

While the investigation into these allegations continued, Mills was charged with breaching the non-molestation order.

After admitting this in Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 6, 2023, he was jailed for 18 weeks and given a restraining order banning him from contacting the woman or going near her home.

However, after his release, in November 2023 Mills once again began harassing the woman, calling her more than 70 times in just a few days, hanging around near her home and making threats towards her and her partner.

He was arrested again and went on to be charged with harassment causing fear of violence between November 2019 and January 2021 for the assaults and threats to kill, and harassment – breach of a restraining order, in relation to his contact with the woman in November 2023.

Mills, of Greenfield Road, Abington, admitted both charges and on August 1 at Northampton Crown Court he was jailed for a total of 40 months and given a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting or approaching the woman.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer PC Becca Blackmore of Northampton Response said: “Mitchell Mills pursued a sustained campaign of fear and violence against this woman, and I am really pleased that the seriousness of his offences has been recognised with this custodial sentence.

“She has been so brave in speaking out about what he put her through, and her refusal to let his toxic behaviour affect her life any more is proof of her strength and courage.

“We know how hard it can be to leave an abusive relationship. If you are or have been in this position, what happened to you was not your fault, and we are here to listen and support you when you are ready to report it to us.

“The only ones responsible for domestic abuse are those carrying it out, and Northamptonshire Police is committed to ensuring these people are brought to justice.”

*This report has been released with the support of the victim.*

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this report, find advice and support – including how to make a report – here.

Report non-emergency crime and information via 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk/RO. In an emergency, always call 999.

Find out here about making an application under Clare’s Law – a scheme which enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.