Petre Constantin, and the knife and hammer he usedPetre Constantin, and the knife and hammer he used
Petre Constantin, and the knife and hammer he used

Jail for Peterborough man who punched ex partner on Christmas Eve and smashed son’s car with hammer

A Peterborough man who punched his ex and smashed his son’s car with a hammer has been jailed.

Petre Constantin, 44, was with his ex-partner at their home in Cobden Avenue, Peterborough, on Christmas Eve last year, when an argument broke out.

In a drunken rage and shouting abuse, Constantin punched the victim multiple times to the head and arm.

The victim managed to escape and went to stay at Constantin’s brother’s house.

On 26 December she returned home to Cobden Avenue where she was greeted by a drunk Constantin who threw a bottle at her and threatened to kill her.

The victim fled to her brother-in-law’s house again, but was followed by Constantin who had armed himself with a knife.

Constantin demanded his brother fight him, waving the knife around, but left briefly and returned walking down the street with the knife and a large hammer in his hands.

Continuing his tirade of abuse, Constantin used the hammer to damage his son’s car parked on the drive, smashing the windscreen and destroying the wing mirrors and driver’s side window. The knife was discarded in a children’s toy car in the garden.

Police were called and Constantin was arrested.

He went on to admit assault by beating, common assault, criminal damage, possession of a bladed article, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Yesterday (15 February) at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court he was jailed for eight months.

DC Kieran Dolman said: “Constantin’s behaviour was absolutely vile and left the victim fearing for her life.

“We’re working hard to help survivors of domestic abuse and bring perpetrators before the courts. I would urge anyone in an abusive relationship to seek help.”

Victims of domestic abuse are urged to contact police on 101 or call the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247. For more advice and support on domestic abuse, visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website.