Royal Marine Jailed After Girlfriend Escapes Through Window

A former Royal Marine has been jailed after attacking his girlfriend, leading her to jump out of the window to escape.

Afghanistan veteran Bobby Burnett, 32, had a large influence over his 26-year-old girlfriend's daily life, including checking her mobile phone.

Burnett's dominance over her increased to physical violence in May, after an argument at the victim's home over a holiday.

He left the property for work, but quickly returned, shouting and clapping his hands in her face.

The victim then fled her home out of a ground floor bedroom window, but Burnett followed her, taking her back inside with his hand covering her mouth.

He then threw her on to a sofa, before leaving with her phone and keys.

She then contacted the police.

Burnett, formerly of Lympstone Commando Training Centre admitted battery and common assault, and has been sentenced to four months in prison.

Judge David Evans told the former Royal Marine:

"This offence happened just two months after the expiry of your previous sentence - it seems you went back to your old ways soon enough.

"You are somewhat of a man child when it comes to your ability to regulate your emotions and engage properly, fully and maturely in a relationship.

"You are jealous, insecure and you try to vent that insecurity on your partner, who you tried to dominate and intimidate.

"By the time of this offence you had reduced the victim to such a state of self effacement and vulnerability that as a result of her constant anxiety and fear she developed a tactic of submitting to your nastiness, bullying and dominance rather that stand up for herself.

"It seems you are happiest when your partner lives in a state of permanent terror. Your behaviour was despicable."