Stalybridge offender given landmark jail term after breaking abuse protection order

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has secured the longest sentence in the country for breaching a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO), as part of an intensified force-wide crackdown on domestic abuse.

John Lord (16/02/1974), of Souracre Fold, Stalybridge, was jailed for 19 months after repeatedly breaching a DAPO designed to protect his victim, marking the toughest penalty issued nationally since the orders were introduced.

Lord had been served with the order in July, prohibiting him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly, and from attending locations where she may be. Despite this, officers responding to reports of an argument on 21 August 2025 found him in the victim’s company, resulting in his arrest. He was later charged with three counts of failing to comply with a protection order and one count of Section 47 assault, causing actual bodily harm.

The sentence was secured by officers from one of GMP Tameside’s dedicated Domestic Abuse Teams, reinforcing the force’s commitment to robustly managing offenders and protecting victims.

Tackling domestic abuse remains one of GMP’s highest priorities, with the force rolling out a number of targeted initiatives in the past year. Dedicated domestic abuse teams have now been established across every district, and DAPOs have been introduced in eight districts so far, with Oldham and Salford due to follow in the new year.

Since the pilot launched a year ago, over 500 DAPOs have been issued across Greater Manchester, offering a vital safeguard for victims and survivors.

During just one week of action, from 10 to 16 November 2025, officers across Greater Manchester achieved: 362 arrests related to domestic abuse offences, 12 new DAPOs granted, 73 welfare checks to ensure victims felt safe and supported, 134 compliance checks on offenders, six breaches identified, with four charges secured, a Safer Knife Replacement Scheme launched in Wigan to reduce household risk, a Violence Against Women and Girls Christmas campaign, reaching over 4,000 residents and multiple arrests of high-risk offenders for offences including Section 47 assault, stalking and arson

GMP leaders say these results highlight the growing impact of new approaches to both victim support and offender monitoring.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, GMP’s force lead for vulnerability, praised the dedication of local teams and emphasised the importance of DAPOs in keeping vulnerable people safe.

“Domestic abuse can take many forms, whether it’s physical violence, sexual abuse, or controlling and coercive behaviour. It’s a complex crime and can often go unreported.

Combatting domestic abuse remains a key priority for the force. We are strengthening our approach through specialist domestic abuse teams and consistently working to ensure victims receive immediate attention and long-term support.

DAPOs have been significant in GMP’s approach to safeguard victims… It is our hope that, with DAPOs rolled out across the region, we can continue to make positive steps in increasing safety in GM and protecting all victims and survivors of abuse.”

GMP encourages anyone affected by domestic abuse to seek help.

You can report by calling 101, using the online reporting system or contacting officers via Live Chat on the GMP website

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Support is available whether or not you choose to make a report to the police. Local services include Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline and End the Fear.