Violent Assault in Front of Children
A man who savagely beat, stamped on, and slashed a woman in front of children, then forced her to clean up her own blood, faces over five years in prison. Jeremiah Joshua Smith, 40, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to one woman and assault by beating another at Gloucester Crown Court.
Recorder Robert Weekes KC labeled Smith a danger to future partners and handed down an extended sentence of five years and eight months in prison, followed by three years on licence. The judge also imposed a 15-year restraining order preventing Smith from contacting the two victims, a prosecution witness, or the neighbor who sheltered the children. Smith is banned from the Kingsway area.
Details of the July 31 Incident
The violence escalated on July 31 last year when Smith used a key to enter his ex-partner’s Gloucester home uninvited around 7 a.m. The woman awoke to find him looming over her in the living room, where her two children and their two friends slept after a sleepover.
Clutching a large bottle of vodka, Smith became enraged with jealousy. He grabbed two knives from the kitchen block and warned, “If you scream, I will stab you.” He punched her without warning, nearly knocking her unconscious, then choked her to stifle her screams.
As she lay bleeding on the floor, Smith ordered her to mop up her own blood. He smashed her phone and bent the SIM card. The assault persisted in front of the terrified children, with Smith stamping on her and inflicting a 7.5 cm slash to her leg. The victim later recalled his threats to kill her.
In a desperate bid for safety, she pushed the four children out a downstairs window when Smith looked away. They climbed over a garden fence and hid with a neighbor. Police arrived to find the woman with a leg slash and head gash; hospital scans confirmed a fractured spine.
Smith fled but surrendered after a public appeal. In his interview, he denied using knives, claiming she hit him with a bottle, though he had no visible injuries.
Separate Assault on Second Victim
Prosecutor Miss Luscombe detailed another attack on a second woman. After she ended their relationship via message in July last year, Smith showed up at her home days later. He called her a “slag,” punched her head—knocking her down—and struck the back of her head, leaving her unable to stand. She curled up as he continued punching her leg. Smith admitted this assault by beating.
Criminal History and Defence
Smith has 32 prior convictions for 64 offenses, including a pattern of domestic abuse since 2006 at age 19, involving repeated violence against partners.
Defence barrister Miss Jenkins argued the knife incident began when the victim picked up a knife first. Smith claimed he struck her head with the knife handle but said the leg slash was accidental. He reported two small puncture wounds to his stomach and noted his occasional helpful behavior, like yard work and chores.
Investigator’s Statement
Detective Constable Philpott, the lead investigator, stated: “Smith poses a very real danger to women he dates. The two victims showed incredible bravery by agreeing to testify against him for these brutal acts. Four children also witnessed his abhorrent violence involving knives. His history of violence against women is appalling.”
Philpott encouraged victims to seek help from Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (01452 426 570 or support@gdass.org.uk) or the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law).
