DAD WHO THREW BABY IN A RAGE IS JAILED
James Endean, a 24-year-old from Truro, has been sentenced to prison after committing additional offences despite having previously been given a chance by the court.He was initially handed two suspended sentences but failed to improve his conduct.
Endean appeared before Truro Crown Court to face sentencing after admitting to two counts of harassment, which included breaching a restraining order, and one count of assault by beating.
Prosecutor Piers Norsworthy detailed that Endean and his former partner shared a seven-year tumultuous relationship and had three children together.
He was reported to be possessive of his ex-partner’s social media contacts and tried to reconnect through Snapchat.
When she stated she was working, Endean would visit her place of employment and make threats.
In 2022, Endean’s rage led him to assault his partner and physically throw his baby son across a room, a violent act he had previously been convicted for.
He had served time for assaulting his ex and was identified last year as having not changed his behaviour.
His past convictions included criminal damage, assault, and cruelty to a child, with prosecutor Michael Brown recounting that during one episode, Endean threw his nine-month-old son two meters, with the mother managing to catch him.
Earlier this year, in February, Endean went to his ex-partner’s workplace demanding money, during which he kicked a bin, physically threatened her, and remained on the premises until she gave him money.
He also visited her home while she was in the bath, pushed his phone through her letterbox, and later called to insult her.
He then went to a park where they met and grabbed her by the neck, brandishing a blade and threatening to harm himself in front of her, claiming she did not care.
He shouted at her, demanded to see her Snapchat inside her house, and, when she suggested doing so outside, restrained her.
He expressed remorse, blaming his drug addiction.
Further efforts by her to help him, such as offering her money to find him a place to stay, were rejected, and he later returned to her residence, where she allowed him to stay temporarily before contacting the police the next day.
In her victim statement, Endean’s partner shared her ongoing fear, especially of noise or any movement that might suggest his return.
She described feeling vulnerable and scared that he could seriously hurt her, especially when under the influence of drugs.
She detailed how even after their breakup, Endean continued to exert control over her, including telling his family not to communicate with her and verbally abusing her, which has affected her social life and confidence.
Their children are impacted as well, missing their father figure.
It was noted in court that Endean’s previous issues with anger and emotional regulation, worsening with substance abuse, had led to his criminal behaviour.
Nonetheless, there were signs he was attempting to address these problems, and he had no intention of rekindling his relationship with his ex.
Judge Simon Carr sentenced Endean to 15 months behind bars, emphasizing that his primary victim was his former partner and that his abusive actions had been ongoing.
The judge highlighted that Endean’s violent behaviour, including frightening threats and physical assaults, has severely damaged their relationship and endangered his children’s well-being.
