Man jailed for violent assault and harassment offences.

A man who pleaded guilty to a violent assault on a woman, harassment and criminal damage received a two year sentence.

In April 2023 Mark Blowes (38) violently attacked the woman in front of a young child, strangling her and assaulting her, causing a head injury. 

He also damaged the victim’s car before fleeing the scene.

Then over the next month or so Blowes began what officers have called a “campaign of harassment,” bombarding the woman with hundreds of messages, many of which were of a threatening nature.

After a few weeks she bravely disclosed to a friend what had happened and the friend supported her in contacting Cleveland Police on 23 May 2023.

Blowes was arrested the following day, charged two days later and remanded into custody.

He appeared at Magistrates’ Court in late May from where he was further remanded, but he was later given bail with conditions not to contact the victim or enter the area she lives in. 

He was also subject to an electronic tag but in November 2024 he was re-arrested for repeatedly breaching a curfew and he was remanded again, until his appearance at court this month.

On Monday 17 February at Teesside Crown Court Blowes finally admitted to the assault (including strangulation) and harassment.

He had pleaded guilty to criminal damage at an earlier hearing.

Blowes has now been sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment for the assault and 12 months for the harassment, to run concurrently. Due to serving the sentence on remand and on an electric tag while at home he walked from the court.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Ali of Cleveland Police’s Domestic Abuse Team said: “The victim was left injured and terrified by Blowes’ actions, but she very bravely came forward to police and did all she could to support our investigation.

"I hope today’s sentence brings her a degree of comfort as she continues to rebuild her life. 

“This outcome should also reassure anyone else who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse that if they feel able to, they can seek help from Cleveland Police. 

“Along with our specialist local organisations, we can offer safeguarding and support throughout an investigation and any subsequent court process.”