George Farrell, a man previously jailed for threatening to kill his former partner and saying he wanted to eat parts of her, has been returned to prison for contacting her just weeks after his release. The 32-year-old, formerly of Houghton-le-Spring and latterly of Westmoreland Road, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order and was sentenced to 16 months at Newcastle Crown Court.
Background of the original offence
In 2022, Farrell was sentenced to five years in prison with an extended licence period of four years for threatening to kill the woman, who was left frightened by his behaviour after their brief relationship. The original case involved him breaking into her home, setting a fire, causing a flood, and hiding her belongings under floorboards.
During an assessment meeting with officials at HMP Northumberland, Farrell made disturbing statements about his intentions. He blamed his ex-partner for his imprisonment and said he wanted to kill her by eating parts of her. He also claimed he wished to take her severed head to a police station, "so that he could go to prison for something he had done." Additionally, he said he would kill his mother and daughter so they would not have to know the person he had become.
Farrell denied making threats to kill, arguing his comments had been "misconstrued," but a jury found him guilty after a trial. While imprisoned, a judge branded him dangerous and imposed a lifelong restraining order forbidding him from contacting the woman.
Breach of the restraining order
Just three weeks after his release from prison, the woman received an email from Farrell. The email contained a lengthy apology in which he acknowledged he should not be contacting her but professed his love for her. The court also heard he sent multiple messages on Facebook.
Recorder Bryan Cox KC told Farrell: "This was a deliberate breach of the restraining order committed only three weeks after your release from custody on licence. You knew you should not attempt to communicate with her." He added that the woman had made clear she wanted no contact and had moved to an unknown address.
The judge noted Farrell has "caused her so much distress and unhappiness" and warned: "You must abide by the restraining order, which is in place for life. She doesn't want to have anything to do with you and it causes her great distress when you do try to get in contact with her."
Defence and sentencing
Jason Smith, defending, said Farrell has a "severe personality disorder" and was considering ending his own life at the time of the offending, adding he "wanted to make reparation to people he had harmed." The court sentenced Farrell to 16 months in prison for the breach.
