A man who smashed his way into his ex-partner’s new house and forced her to flee on to a roof with her baby to escape has been jailed.
Jerome Gibson’s victim told Nottingham Crown Court how he subjected her to a campaign of abuse throughout their relationship, regularly assaulted her, controlled what she wore and who she saw and sent her sexually abusive messages – before the terrifying attack that saw him jailed.
The matters came to light when Gibson went to the address the woman was staying at with a friend in The Bassett, Langwith Junction, on 8 May 2024 and forced his way into the house by kicking the door and using a shovel before picking up a kitchen knife from within the property.
The woman and her friend were hiding upstairs with the woman’s baby but Gibson went up and broke down the door of the room they were in. He then began fighting with the woman’s friend before the pair tried to get away by going onto the roof of an extension with the baby.
Her friend then jumped off the roof to go and try and get help.
Gibson ran from the scene before police arrived, discarding the knife in the garden.
He was arrested and subsequently charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, two counts of criminal damage and threatening a person with an offensive weapon/bladed article.
He later agreed a plea deal and admitted two counts of criminal damage and threatening a person with a knife. The 23-year-old, of no fixed address, also admitted unlawfully and maliciously inflicting GBH on a police officer in relation to a separate incident which occurred on 3 June 2025 when he shoulder barged the officer, causing a dislocated shoulder, in an attempt to avoid being stopped in relation to traffic offences.
Gibson appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentence on Monday 5 January when he was jailed for three years and eight months.
Acting Detective Sergeant Christopher Millns, who led the investigation, said: “Gibson put this woman through hell, controlling her emotionally and mentally as well as using violence.
“Like many victims of domestic abuse, she suffered in silence for many years before this incident in May 2024 led her to report Gibson to police.
“The levels of violence he showed on this day were so extreme that she felt she had no choice but to go out on to a roof with her baby to try and escape from him, which just shows how terrified she was of him.
“After this incident, she bravely told officers the full details of the abuse Gibson had subjected her to, and her courage in coming forward and support throughout this investigation has been exemplary.
“While he later reached a plea deal which didn’t include the controlling and coercive behaviour, the sentence he received incorporates the ordeal he put her through, which was evidenced in her victim personal statement that was read out in court and highlighted the years of abuse she suffered.
“Thanks to her we have been able to bring Gibson to justice for these crimes and ensure he is in prison where he belongs.
“I’d encourage anyone who is experiencing any kind of domestic abuse to please speak to officers. We will listen without judgement and support you throughout. If you’re not ready to report it to police, then please confide in a family member or friend. Alternatively there are a number of support organisations who can help you so please do seek support.”