Darren Jackson, a 37-year-old from Gateshead, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison after bombarding his former partner with phone calls and threats, and assaulting a police officer. The sentence was handed down at Newcastle Crown Court on July 14, 2026.
Background of the Case
Jackson was subject to a restraining order against his ex-partner, the mother of his three children, since January 2026. However, in June 2026, he began a campaign of harassment, calling her repeatedly and making threats. Prosecutor Katie Spence told the court that the victim initially received 20 missed calls from an unknown number, which she believed were from Jackson.
She unblocked him on WhatsApp out of concern for her children's safety. Jackson then asked her, "Why have you got another bloke in the house?" and proceeded to make a further 40 missed calls. When she answered, he said, "Are you going to tell me what you're doing in bed with another man? I know who he is," and threatened, "I'm going to cave your f***ing face in."
Arrest and Assault on Police Officer
Jackson was arrested outside the Plough Pub, where the victim was with her mother. During the arrest, a female police officer attempted to detain him, and Jackson kicked her in the thigh. He pleaded guilty to stalking, three counts of breaching a restraining order, sending a malicious communication, and assaulting a police officer. At the time, he was already subject to a community order for criminal damage and harassment.
Defence Arguments
Laura Peto, defending, explained that Jackson worked full-time as a mechanic and often slept at his garage. She said the restraining order prevented him from seeing his children, and his ex-partner had full custody. An informal agreement involved Jackson sending money for the children. Peto stated, "She made initial contact with him and asked for £60. He accepts that he should not have responded. He was under the impression that the £60 requested was for the children. However, he later learnt that she spent the money on other items. This caused him to feel angry and used, which resulted in him taking a turn and his behaviour deviating."
Peto added that when Jackson went to the pub, he believed his ex-partner would meet him to receive more cash for the children. He was met by police and "accepts that he kicked out and hit the officer in the process. He did not mean to intentionally kick her but accepts that is what he did."
Sentencing Remarks
Recorder Tony Hawks, addressing Jackson via video link from Durham prison, noted his "shocking criminal record." He said, "What you have got to understand is when courts make orders they have to be complied with and if you don't comply with them you are going to end up in prison, how you are now. You have got to understand that people are entitled to end relationships, they're entitled to form new relationships. Your ex-partner's right. She needs to be protected from violent and jealous people like you."
Jackson was sentenced to 26 months behind bars. The case highlights the serious consequences of breaching court orders and harassing former partners.
