Prison for man who abused former partner and ignored restraining order
James Upton attacked his former partner and breached a restraining order numerous times.
Last updated 1st Sep 2026
A Bedford man has been jailed for attacking his former partner and continually breaching a restraining order.
26-year-old James Upton was given a restraining order in March 2024, which banned him from contacting his former partner or visiting her St Neots home for five years.
Despite the order, he breached it by making multiple attempts to contact the victim by phone and turned up at her house several times.
When he visited her house in February 2024, an argument broke out between the pair which quickly became physical. Upton then pushed the victim to the floor, biting her, and kicking her in the stomach. He also damaged the victim’s iPhone, smashing the screen.
Police arrested Upton and charged him with ABH and four counts of harassment - breach of restraining order, which he admitted.
On Friday (28th of August), Upton, of Coventry Road, Bedford, was jailed for one year and five months at Peterborough Crown Court after the activation of the previous suspended sentence.
DC Madie Mayers-Brandrith, who investigated, said: “Upton is a very dangerous individual, who shows no regard for the law and the restrictions imposed on him by the courts.
“To attack his former partner in her own home when the pair’s young son was present is despicable so I am pleased Upton will now serve time behind bars for his actions.”