Leeds Crown Court: Prison for violent thug who stamped on ex girlfriend's head in front of horrified onlookers at Thornes Park, Wakefield

Adrian Blackburn, 38, followed his victim to the park and stamped on her head, before threatening to burn down her home and family in a text.

During a sentencing hearing at Leeds Crown Court, Blackburn, of Lower Warrengate, Wakefield, became angry shouted at his legal representative to “do his f****** job”.

Blackburn’s barrister had insisted his client was reflective about his behaviour, and had discovered a newfound passion for art. But that did not dissuade the judge from handing him a 20-month prison sentence.

The court heard how Blackburn was in a relationship with the victim since 2017 before the two broke up earlier this year. On June 2, Blackburn was texting the victim, asking for her to spend the day with him. He later turned up at the tanning salon the victim was visiting and waited outside for her.

Wanting to remain in a public place for fear of what Blackburn might do, the victim then got onto a bus to Thornes Park, where she was followed by Blackburn.

Once there, the victim told him that if he did not leave her alone, she would call the police. Blackburn then grabbed her handbag and ran away, before returning to throw her to the floor and stamp on her head.

The assault stopped when Blackburn was shouted at by two nearby teenagers.

The court heard that Blackburn later sent the victim a text warning her not to talk to the police, adding: “You don’t like it back do you? Your house and your family are going up in flames”.

Blackburn was arrested that day on a bus between Ossett and Dewsbury.

During the prosecution’s case, Blackburn, who was appearing via video link from prison, appeared visibly agitated and tried to interrupt proceedings. At one point he was told by the court clerk to stop smoking his vape pen.

The judge told him he would get a chance to have his side heard during the mitigation section.

Blackburn replied: “I can’t be a**** with all this, man – I want my f****** solicitor to do his job.”

Blackburn had already pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order, stalking and assault by beating.

Mitigating for Blackburn, Andrew Stranex said: “He has accepted that his offending behaviour is significant.

"During his time in custody he has completed further courses and continues to address his offending behaviour."

Mr Stranex added that Blackburn had recently discovered he was a gifted artist, and was “enthusiastically” creating new works while on remand.

He added: “[My client] has a real talent – he is now putting a significant amount of time and effort into his skills.”

Sentencing Blackburn, Recorder Tony Watkin said: “There is a high risk of you reoffending.

"This was a stamp to the head. She thought had you not been stopped from doing the offence, she would have been dead.

"You also have a history of disobedience with court orders.”

He sentenced Blackburn to 20 months in prison and a restraining order of 10 years.