A Crewe man has been jailed after subjecting his ex-girlfriend from Stoke-on-Trent to severe physical and emotional abuse.

Michael Merrington, 31, of Cranborne Road, bombarded the victim, with unwanted phone calls and text messages, including threats to share private photographs of her.

He also sent messages to the victim, who's relationship together ended in July 2025, saying she was being watched from anonymous social media accounts.

The woman contacted police in November 2025 to report the ongoing issues and a previous assault by Merrington at her home last year.

Then between December 2 and 7, Merrington tried to log into the victim's Facebook account 10 times and tried to access her Instagram accounts. All attempts were made in Crewe or Macclesfield.

Michael Merrington was sentenced and handed a 10-year restraining order at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday 20 March (Photo: Nub News).

Merrington, a father-of-four, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail and handed a 10-year restraining order at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday 20 March.

The Cheshire chef pleaded guilty to threatening to share intimate photographs of a person, assault by beating, stalking and criminal damage.

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PC Nicholas Atkinson, who investigated, said: "I'm pleased we've been able to secure this outcome for the victim, who has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and seeking support.

"We work hard every day in Staffordshire to support survivors of these offences and to seek the toughest possible punishment in court for perpetrators."

READ MORE: Rising Crewe and Nantwich female athlete, 15, tops UK rankings.

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