A man who subjected his former partner to a campaign of abuse has been jailed after a household cat camera captured him holding a knife over her. Michael Salmon, 50, formerly of the Clayton area of Manchester, was sentenced to three years and two months in prison at Manchester Crown Court on Friday (November 6).
Salmon began by isolating his ex-partner and monitoring her movements when she went out, questioning where she was and forcing her to video call him to prove who she was with, Greater Manchester Police said. After the birth of their daughter, his behaviour became more aggressive, with physical assaults, threats and intimidation.
Threats during a family journey
The abuse escalated on September 28, 2024, when Salmon became aggressive during a family journey and began driving erratically. He then threatened to drive the car, with his victim and their baby daughter inside, into a wall and kill them all.
Later that day, after an argument at their Clayton home, Salmon armed himself with two kitchen knives and confronted the victim while she was holding their five-month-old daughter. He pointed the knives towards her and said: "She is the only one saving you now." The next day, the victim reported him to the police.
Cat camera provides key evidence
Salmon denied the allegations throughout his police interview, but footage from a household cat camera showed him holding a knife while standing over the victim. The footage provided powerful evidence for a trial, and he was convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour.
DC Grindley, who led the investigation, said: "This conviction reflects a sustained pattern of controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour that left the victim living in fear. What began as monitoring, jealousy and attempts to control everyday aspects of her life escalated into violence, intimidation and serious threats involving weapons."
"Crucially, footage captured on a household pet camera, alongside evidence provided by the victim, enabled investigators to demonstrate the reality of what was happening behind closed doors. I would like to commend the victim for the immense courage she has shown throughout both the investigation and court process. Her bravery in coming forward has ensured a dangerous offender has been brought to justice."
Support for victims
DC Grindley added: "I hope this outcome reassures victims of domestic abuse that they will be listened to, believed and supported. No one should have to live in fear in their own home or relationship."
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control, threats, or violence is encouraged to report it to Greater Manchester Police via 101, online, or by calling 999 in an emergency. GMP is supporting the Mayor of Greater Manchester's '#IsThisOk?' campaign, which aims to raise awareness around the signs of coercive and controlling behaviour.
