'Heinous' domestic abuser jailed for 16 years

A man who attacked his partner, leaving her with a punctured lung and bleed on the brain, has been jailed for more than 16 years.

Michael Peterson, of Exchange Street in Doncaster, initially tried to cover up the extent of the violence by saying a fall down the stairs had caused her injuries.

Just before the trial was due to start, the 38-year-old admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to 16-and-a-half years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday.

Det Con Abi McKie said: "[He] has shown minimal remorse throughout the course of this case and is responsible for subjecting his victim to one of the most heinous acts of domestic violence I have come to witness."

She said the victim, who sustained multiple rib fractures, showed "undeniable strength" throughout the investigation.

"She has shown extreme determination in coming to terms with what happened," Det Con McKie said.

"I am proud that Peterson has now been sentenced so she can close this chapter and flourish in the next."

Peterson, who is known as "Mickey", was handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting the complainant for 20 years.

He was subject to a suspended prison sentence for shoplifting when he attacked his partner in May 2024.

The prosecution quoted paramedics, who were called the following day, as saying: "Her entire face was swollen and bruised. She could not even open her eyes."

Det Con McKie added: "Nobody deserves to suffer any type of violence from anyone, especially someone close to them.

"I also hope that this case, with all the complexities that come with any investigation, has proved that domestic matters are taken seriously both by the police and [courts]."

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