MAN JAILED FOR BREACHING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER IN BURY
The largest penalty issued to date for breaching a domestic abuse protection order (DAPO) was obtained by Greater Manchester Police during a pilot scheme introduced in Bury.The initiative, launched six weeks earlier in November, has seen seven DAPOs issued, with another set for court next week.
On January 6, Michael Mitchell, aged 46 and with no fixed address, was sentenced to eight months in prison at Manchester Magistrates' Court for failing to comply with the conditions of his DAPO.
Mitchell was in court for domestic abuse allegations but was acquitted after the victim withdrew support for prosecution.
Nonetheless, a two-month DAPO was granted just before Christmas, yet Mitchell breached it by not signing on at Bury Police Station and by visiting the victim’s home on Boxing Day, actions forbidden under the order.
GMP responded quickly, arresting him, and Mitchell admitted the breaches while in custody.
Authorities are collaborating with criminal justice agencies to extend the DAPO beyond his prison term, aiming to better protect the victim.
Detective Superintendent Toby Facey highlighted the importance of enforcing these orders, noting that the significant custodial sentence reflects the gravity with which such breaches are treated within the legal system.
The pilot in Bury is set to be expanded to Wigan, where domestic abuse reports are more frequent, and ambitions are to make DAPOs available across Greater Manchester in the near future.
This will mark the largest pilot scheme of its kind in the UK.
Successful enforcement actions also include a 12-week prison sentence for failing to sign in as ordered and possessing drugs, along with an £80 fine for non-compliance.
GMP also advises victims on how to report domestic abuse and access support services, urging them to call 101 or 999 in emergencies, or use the online resources and Crimestoppers to report anonymously.
