A DOMESTIC abuse victim who was beaten and tied up by her partner fractured her spine while trying to escape him.

Colin Hawkins, 37, was jailed for seven years after his victim told police that the brute held her head under water, had bound her hands and feet with cable ties and beaten her multiple times.

Hawkins, of Cowleaze Walk in Stratton St Margaret, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating at Swindon Crown Court.

His victim Jodie Barnes, 27, managed to get help from a neighbour after falling from a window while trying to escape Hawkins on December 29 last year.

She needed hospital for a fractured vertebrae.

Shortly after, Hawkins was arrested by police.

Ms Barnes said: "I am in a permanent state of fight or flight.

"I am petrified to think what Colin could do. I don’t think I’d make it out alive if he came for me now”.

Along with the prison sentence, Hawkins was given an indefinite restraining order to prevent him from making any contact with the victim.

Det Con Alex Doughty said: “This was a horrific case and Jodie’s impact statement outlined how fearful she was of Hawkins and what he would potentially do to her.

“Jodie has been so brave throughout this police investigation and court case and I wholeheartedly commend her for coming forward to report such horrific abuse.

“I hope she inspires other victims of domestic abuse to come forward and tell someone about what is happening to them. Please know that there is support out there and we can help keep you safe.

“Hawkins is a violent individual and a convicted domestic abuse perpetrator, who has now received a substantial custodial sentence. 

“This case proves how seriously we take this sort of offending and the work we will do to safeguard victims and ensure offenders face justice.

Wiltshire Police will always urge victims of domestic abuse, including those subjected to controlling and coercive behaviour, to speak to someone about what is happening to them.

"Please remember that there is support available, including from the police. You are not alone."

For more information about help available, click here.

Clare's Law gives any member of the public the right to ask police if their partner may pose a risk to them and allows anyone to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. For more information about making a request, click here.