Domestic abuser jailed for 13 years

A Telford man has been handed a 13-year prison sentence for domestic abuse against his partner, including attacking her with a hammer.

David Wilkes, of Hoop Mill in Telford, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday (Monday 14 September) for attempted robbery, kidnap, false imprisonment, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, strangulation, kidnap, and controlling and coercive behaviour.  

The court heard how the 48-year-old subjected his victim to nine months of abuse, including attacking her with a hammer and trying to strangle her with a cord.  

On another occasion Wilkes tied the victim’s hands together, and her feet, before putting a gag in her mouth and threatened to set her on fire.  

During his nine months of abuse, he carried out work on his house which meant the victim could not leave the property, as well as installing cameras to watch what she was doing.  

The victim was able to report the incidents to police in October 2024, and Wilkes was arrested and later charged. In June 2025 Wilkes was found guilty following a trial of the offences.  

The judge handed Wilkes a 12-year sentence, as well as a 20-month restraining order against his victim.  

Wilkes was also given two years custodial for an attempt robbery and kidnap of a man in December 2023.  

The court heard how Wilkes demanded money from the victim before assaulting him and taking his vehicle and driving him to a petrol station in Stirchley and then Telford town centre.  

Staff at the town centre petrol station noticed something was not right and were able to call police where Wilkes was arrested and later charged with the offences. He was found guilty following a trial earlier this year.

The two sentences are to run consecutively. Wilkes' total custodial sentence was 14 years, however the judge reduced it to 13 years.   

PC Laura Price, who lead the investigation, said: “This was a prolonged and appalling campaign of abuse that subjected the victim to unimaginable fear, violence and control over many months. David Wilkes’ actions were cruel and calculated, and the sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of his offending.  

“I would like to pay tribute to the victim, whose courage and resilience throughout this investigation and court process has been truly remarkable. Despite enduring horrific abuse, she found the strength to come forward and report what had happened to her. Her bravery has not only helped secure this conviction but sends a powerful message that perpetrators of domestic abuse will be held accountable for their actions.  

“We are committed to supporting victims of domestic abuse and would encourage anyone suffering in silence to seek help and report their concerns. You will be listened to, supported and taken seriously.”  

You can report domestic abuse on our website here Report domestic abuse | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org