MAGISTRATES have intervened to protect a Carlisle woman after hearing that her relationship with her partner is "toxic" and becoming increasingly violent.

Stuart Barwise, 39, who currently has no fixed address, could be jailed if he contacts the woman during the next 28 days.

Following an application from Cumbria Constabulary at the city's Rickergate court, magistrates approved a domestic violence protection order, saying they were persuaded by the evidence of the police officer who gave evidence.

Over the past five years, the court heard, there had been a history of domestic abuse within the relationship, with 70 alleged assaults, and seven incidents in the last few weeks.

This was evidence that the alleged domestic violence against the woman was escalating, magistrates were told. Giving their reasons for approving the order, magistrates said: “Although [the woman] is unsupportive [of the order being made], she said in a 999 call that he had hit her.

“We believe she is in a toxic and controlling relationship with Stuart Barwise.”

The application included logged police incidents and a photo of an injury to the woman as well as evidence that third party witnesses had reported Barwise for alleged violence in the past.

“We are therefore satisfied on the balance of probabilities that he has used violence, and the order is necessary,” concluded magistrates.

In a second unconnected application, magistrates approved another domestic violence protection order against 28-year-old John Moore, of Scattergate Crescent, Appleby.

Explaining why they granted the 28-day order, magistrates said: “We are satisfied that on the balance of probabilities that the respondent used or threatened violence and the order is necessary to protect [the woman involved.”

Despite the order not being supported by the woman, she had made 999 calls on two occasions and when police attended, she reported being grabbed by the throat by Moore.

There had been nine incidents since November of last year, with an escalation of violence and one previous similar strangulation allegation. In both cases, the order includes a ban on entering the street where the protected women live.