Man cleared of domestic abuse and assault charges

Wednesday 16 October 2024

A 38-year-old man has been cleared of common assault and domestic abuse following a trial in the Royal Court.

Jordan Ross Bishop was accused of punching his pregnant partner, trying to slam the door on her and throwing a glass tumbler at her.

He was charged with the offences after the States police were called to his St Helier flat in May.

But Jurats this afternoon returned a not guilty verdict on both counts following a trial which opened on Tuesday.

Advocate Olaf Blakeley, defending, said in his closing speech on Wednesday afternoon that there was not enough evidence to prove the charges – one of which, he explained, relied solely on the defendant’s account in police interview.

He went on to explain that both partners were regularly “volatile, aggressive and violent”.  

“Both the defendant and the complainant are in the habit of getting into not only verbal spats, but physical ones.” 

On some occasions, the defendant had to act in self-defence, Advocate Blakeley said.

Commissioner Sir Michael Birt was presiding. The Jurats sitting were David Gareth Hughes and Alison Opfermann.

SUPPORT...

Islanders affected by any of the issues raised in this report can contact any of the following:

Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) is an independent service developed to protect and support victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 880505. 

Freeda (formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge) offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836. 

Victim Support offer free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496. 

Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612. 

Samaritans offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening ear to people who need to talk. Tel: 116 123 free from any phone or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).