Daniel Halstead, 39, has been slammed as controlling, violent, and a downright bully. The Accrington man was sentenced to eight years behind bars at Preston Crown Court today (23rd January) after a harrowing campaign of abuse against his ex-girlfriend.
Strangled, Threatened and Stalked
It all began in January 2019 when Halstead first strangled his victim inside a property in Accrington. She never reported it then, but he was later jailed for an unrelated assault the same day.
The toxic relationship continued during and after his stint in prison. But in September 2023, the victim ended it after discovering Halstead’s affair.
Obsessed and Threatening
- Halstead didn’t take the breakup well. He bombarded her with gifts and declarations of love, despite being caught seeing other women.
- His behaviour turned nastier in late 2024 after another woman he was involved with fell pregnant.
- He threatened the victim repeatedly—in person, over the phone, and by text.
- In one chilling moment, he warned her in front of her son: “If any single man comes near you, you’ll both end up in a box.”
Fear and Stalking Tactics
The victim lived in constant fear. Anxiety robbed her of sleep, left her physically ill and she shed weight—from a size 14 to a size six.
In March 2025, Halstead followed her to a friend’s house, then waited outside her home, shouting threats. He pounded her with messages and voicemails demanding to know her whereabouts. So terrified, she even sent him photos to prove she was safe.
On Valentine’s Day, he turned up at her workplace with flowers but kept messaging, forcing her to play along just to keep the peace. His messages hinted he watched her, with one stating: “Just watching you lol, it’s nice when you don’t know I’m there haha.”
At her son’s football match, Halstead squared up to her, head-butted her, and even tried to punch her mother.
Justice Served
Arrested on 18th March 2025, Halstead faced multiple charges, including coercive and controlling behaviour, assault, and death threats. The October trial at Preston Crown Court found him guilty on all counts.
Alongside his eight-year sentence, a lifetime restraining order has been imposed to keep this dangerous bully away from his victim forever.
