Exclusive:Southsea man who hid under ex-partner's bed despite restraining order learns his punishment in court
“If you’re with any guys, I will come and smash their heads in,” the defendant told her.
A “manipulative” woman-beater who threatened to “smash the head” of any man who got with one of his exes - and hid under her bed - has been jailed.
Elliot Layzell, 28 from Cottage Grove, Southsea, was convicted in May this year for assault by beating and criminal damage against a former partner.
While in custody, he began bombarding the same woman with threatening phone calls and messages, and upon his release even went to her house, all despite a two-year restraining order.
At Portsmouth Crown Court today (Friday, September 25), Judge Daniel Sawyer was told Layzell had breached the restraining order “as soon as he possibly could”.
Emma Byrne, prosecuting, said: “The victim is a woman who had been in a relationship with him, before he was convicted in May. She was granted a restraining order to protect her from Layzell.
“Under early release provisions, he contacted one of her friends, then began messaging her and later asked ‘who are you with, don’t lie to me’. He then sent her a voice not saying ‘I don’t care if you show this to police - if you’re with any guys, I will come and smash their heads in.’
“She then received multiple phone calls, five on one day and 13 on another, from a withheld number. When she answered the first one and found out it was him, she hung up; he then kept calling.”
The court was told that the victim had been relocated by police, but started withdrawing from support services. When police went to her houes for a welfare check, they found Layzell hiding under her bed.
The defendant has five previous convictions for eight offences, including stalking.
Ms Byrne added: “Police say he’s a high risk for domestic abuse. It’s complicated slightly by the victim somewhat allowing the renewed contact, but in the context of domestic abuse its hardly unusual, and not necessarily done with consent.
“Layzell has a level of control over her, and has subjected her to abuse in the past. She is vulnerable.”
The court had received a letter from someone purporting to be the victim, claiming that they wanted the restraining order to be lifted. But Judge Sawyer said he had no intention of lifting the order at this time.
In mitigation, he was told the defendant has had “no meaningful rehabilitation” despite Layzell’s multiple convictions, who has found things “difficult” during his current stay in prison.
Sentencing, Judge Sawyer said: “You were released from prison on licence on May 21. Within two weeks, you had found her and made contact through friends.
“You were recalled to prison, not just for that, but for removing your tag. You continued calling her from prison, and sent some threatening messages. When you were released again, when police went to her new address, they found you hiding under the bed.
“It’s quite plain that you’re adept at manipulating your victim, and simply do not care what anybody does to try and protect her from you. You believe she is your property, but she is free to do whatever she wants - with whoever she wants.
“She described you as calculated and devious; this was a very serious and persistent breach.”
Layzell was sentenced to two years and four months in prison, with Judge Sawyer adding that any termination of the restraining order would need to be applied for at a later date.