TUNBRIDGE WELLS MAN JOHN KIRBY SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ABUSE AND THREATS IN TERRORIZING CAMPAIGN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tunbridge Wells, John Kirby has been sentenced to prison for a prolonged and vicious campaign of domestic abuse against his pregnant partner. The 42-year-old man from Still Lane, Southborough, was found guilty of inflicting serious physical injuries and engaging in relentless mental torment over a period exceeding 18 months.

Kirby’s abusive behavior was both violent and threatening, with incidents that included physical assaults, verbal threats of murder, and acts of intimidation designed to control and terrorize his partner. Among the most heinous acts was an incident where he pushed his pregnant partner down a staircase, an act that could have resulted in severe injury or even loss of life. Following this, he further assaulted her by throttling her with his hands, causing her to lose consciousness. Such violence underscores the severity of his actions and the danger he posed.

His abuse extended beyond physical violence. Kirby would spit at his partner and deliberately prevent her from leaving their home by locking the property and hiding her car keys. He also engaged in psychological torment, demanding to know who she had been speaking to and destroying her personal belongings, including her clothes. Food was thrown at her face during episodes of rage, adding to the emotional and physical trauma she endured.

The police investigation into Kirby’s conduct was triggered by a violent incident in August 2019, which occurred in front of a young child. At that time, Kirby and his partner were traveling by car near Wye, close to Ashford. During this journey, Kirby threw chips at her while she was driving and then physically assaulted her by punching her in the face. When the vehicle stopped, he pushed her to the ground and repeatedly kicked her, all in the presence of the child, highlighting the dangerous and reckless nature of his violence.

Further evidence of Kirby’s abusive behavior was uncovered through covert recordings made on the victim’s phone. These recordings revealed him making chilling threats to burn her with hair straighteners and to kill her by suffocation, boasting that he would then bury her in his garden. Such threats underscore the level of danger and control Kirby exerted over his partner.

Kirby appeared before Maidstone Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm and four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court also considered two additional charges related to an assault and allegations of engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, which were ordered to lie on file. On May 13, the court sentenced Kirby to four years and six months in prison. Upon his release, he will be subject to a restraining order to prevent any contact with his victim, ensuring her safety moving forward.