Accrington Bully Daniel Halstead Jailed for Eight Years
Daniel Halstead, 39, has been branded a controlling, violent bully after tormenting his ex-girlfriend with a campaign of abuse. The Accrington man was sentenced to eight years at Preston Crown Court today (23 January) for a string of terrifying offences.
Strangled, Threatened, and Stalked
Halstead’s abuse started in January 2019 when he strangled his victim inside a property in Accrington. She didn’t report it then, but Halstead was later jailed the same day for an unrelated assault. The nightmare didn’t end there. Even during and after his prison term, Halstead continued his toxic behaviour. In September 2023, his victim finally called time on their relationship after uncovering his affair.
Obsessive and Menacing
- Halstead didn’t accept the breakup. He bombarded his ex with gifts and love declarations despite cheating with other women.
- His threats escalated after another woman he was seeing became pregnant in late 2024.
- He repeatedly threatened his ex in person, via phone, and text messages.
- In a chilling moment in front of her son, he warned: “If any single man comes near you, you’ll both end up in a box.”
Living in Fear
The victim was gripped by terror. Anxiety wrecked her sleep, made her physically ill, and she dropped from size 14 to size six. In March 2025, Halstead stalked her to a friend’s home and waited outside hers, shouting threats. He bombarded her with calls and texts demanding to know where she was. So scared, she sent photos proving she was safe. On Valentine’s Day, he turned up at her workplace with flowers but kept sending messages, forcing her to play along. One message read: “Just watching you lol, it’s nice when you don’t know I’m there haha.” His violence intensified at her son’s football match when he head-butted her and tried to punch her mother.
Justice At Last
Halstead was arrested on 18 March 2025 and charged with coercive control, assault, and death threats. His October trial at Preston Crown Court found him guilty on all counts. He now faces eight years behind bars plus a lifetime restraining order to keep him forever away from his victim. A dangerous bully finally off the streets.
