THE Secretary of State for Justice has described a Worcester woman as "very brave" after she spoke out against her abusive ex-husband.

In your Worcester News yesterday Sarah MacLeod said her home was a fortress and her children feared for their lives.

She was talking after her former husband William McDermott was jailed for four months for sending "sickening" threats via text and e-mail.

Worcester Magistrates were told the 50-year-old had 17 previous convictions for ABH, GBH, common assault and battery.

During a visit to the city yesterday the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP said Miss MacLeod was to be commended for taking a stance against McDermott.

He said: "I would encourage more woman to do this. It's a vile thing what some men do to their partners and what this woman has done, speaking out, is very brave. The judge seems to have been very firm about the matter."

He said: "There is a lot of support for victims of domestic abuse out there now. But to make the decision to leave a violent or abusive partner is extremely difficult and anyone that does so should be commended for their bravery.

"I really feel for this lady, and others like her, who have gone through such a horrific time." He said the Government had been working hard to ensure domestic violence was taken seriously.

"When I was growing up on a council estate nothing was done about domestic violence," he said. "Everyone knew it went on but the police rarely attended. Now it is much different and the police and the courts are much tougher and we hope to continue that."

Miss MacLeod could not believe a politician had taken such an interest in her case.

"I'm overwhelmed," she said. "I'm absolutely astounded.

"Bless Jack Straw - it's nice that he can acknowledge that things like this do go on. "

Miss MacLeod said the most important thing is that her 19-year-old daughter Lisa-Lauren has just moved home - she previously left the family house because she feared being there alone because of McDermott.

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