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THIS is the moment a violent abuser was caught by police and a dog following a dramatic chase through a river.
Luke Seffens was wanted by cops over a twisted abuse campaign against his partner.
The 34-year-old smashed a mug over his girlfriend’s head and threatened to stab and strangle her.
Footage shows police dog Elsa tracking down Seffens to a wooded area near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Officers could be seen leaping over fallen trees and wading through a river during the pursuit.
One could be heard yelling “Hey you – stay where you are!” as the net closes in on Seffens.
He then instructs Elsa to “hold him” as the topless thug is tackled to the ground.
After he was handcuffed, Seffens begs the officer: “Don’t let it bite me, please”.
He has now been jailed for four years and nine months after he admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, false imprisonment, controlling or coercive behaviour, escape from lawful custody and criminal damage.
The court was told Seffens beat his girlfriend in a horror attack and threatened to knife her.
Between September and December 2023, he controlled the woman and made her take photos to prove where she was.
Seffens, who also followed her to her workplace, was arrested before being released on the condition he did not contact his partner.
But he continued to breach that order – causing police to swoop on the thug in the centre of Tunbridge Wells ready to arrest him again.
But Seffens ran away from officers – leading to the hunt through the river.
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Detective Constable Max Jordan said: “Seffens abused, isolated and tormented his victim during the vast majority of their relationship.
“He used fear, violence and intimidation to exert control over almost every aspect of her life and his actions have caused immeasurable fear and distress.
“The victim has shown incredible courage and strength to give evidence and I hope this sentence will afford them the time and space needed to help break away from Seffen’s control and allow her to move on with her life.
“We continue to urge all victims of domestic abuse to come forward, confident in the knowledge they will receive the best possible service.
“Remember, you are not to blame for what is happening and you can report it to us or contact several support organisations who can and will help you.”
