Accrington man jailed for eight years for abusive behaviour and assaults
39-year-old also given lifetime restraining order after years of domestic abuse
A 39-year-old man from Accrington has been sentenced to eight years behind bars after being found guilty of a series of abusive behaviours and assaults over several years.
Daniel Halstead, previously of Park Street in Accrington, was convicted in October at Preston Crown Court of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, two counts of assault by beating, and two counts of making threats to kill.
He returned to the court today, 23rd January, where he received his sentence alongside a lifetime restraining order to protect his victim.
Years of abuse and threats
Halstead’s offences began in January 2019 when he assaulted a woman by strangling her in a property in Accrington. Although she did not report this incident immediately, Halstead later that day committed an unrelated assault for which he was convicted and jailed.
Their relationship continued during Halstead’s time in prison and upon his release until the victim ended it in September 2023 after discovering Halstead was unfaithful.
In the months that followed, Halstead attempted to rekindle the relationship, showering his victim with gifts and messages of love, but his behaviour grew increasingly hostile after another woman he was seeing became pregnant later in 2024.
He threatened the victim in person, by phone and via text, even telling her in front of her son that if “any single man comes near you, you’ll both end up in a box.”
The victim became physically ill and suffered from severe anxiety and sleep deprivation because of Halstead’s actions, experiencing significant weight loss and later being diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression by her GP.
Harassment escalates to violence
Halstead continued his campaign of harassment into early 2025. On 8th March, he followed his victim to her friend’s home and later parked outside her house, leaving voicemails berating her.
The next day, Halstead harassed the victim while she was at a local pub, sending messages, demanding her whereabouts, and waiting outside her home.
His behaviour escalated further when, on 16th March, Halstead attended the victim’s son’s football match. There, he argued with the victim, put his head against hers, pushed her, and attempted to strike her mother in the face.
Arrest and sentencing
Halstead was arrested in the early hours of 18th March 2025, when police charged him with engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, assault by beating, and making threats to kill.
Reflecting on her experiences during a statement read out at court, the victim described the long-lasting impact of Halstead’s behaviour, saying, “Emotionally I am suffering a lot from finally finding the courage to report the abuse… I feel safe knowing that he is currently away from me in prison.”
PC Carl Guest from the East Response Team praised the victim for her bravery.
“Halstead is a controlling and cowardly bully who sought to mentally, physically and emotionally dominate the victim,” PC Guest said.
“I want to praise her… for trusting us to listen to her, believe her, and bring Halstead to justice. Halstead is clearly a dangerous individual with warped attitudes towards women. I welcome today’s sentence and hope the victim can now begin to rebuild her life, free from Halstead’s tyranny.”
Support for victims of domestic abuse is available via Victim Support in Lancashire. Its specially trained professionals offer confidential assistance and prioritise the safety of victims. Visit victimsupport.org.uk/lancashire for more information or contact Lancashire Police online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk or via 101. For emergencies, dial 999.