A courageous woman, Jessica Smith, has come forward to share the harrowing tale of her abusive relationship, where her boyfriend, Dillan Billany, 27, subjected her to physical violence, a broken arm, and the disturbing act of sending a sex tape that she did not know existed to her mother.
The 31-year-old from Hull, East Yorkshire, revealed the nightmare that unfolded just three months into their relationship, emphasizing the lasting impact on her life. Billany’s violent actions escalated from pouring water on her face to a vicious physical assault, resulting in a broken arm and psychological trauma. After the arrest of Billany in August, Jessica is now sharing the warning signs of domestic abuse.
While sharing her dreadful tale, Jessica disclosed that her boyfriend’s abuse intensified gradually. The couple met in February last year. According to Jessica, Billany was exceedingly charming during the initial days of their relationship. However, things took a drastic turn after they had an argument one night. He poured water over Jessica, brutally dragged her to the floor and kicked her. When the woman confronted him, he asserted that he had no recollection of what she was talking about.
Billany isolated Jessica from her support network, compelling her to delete social media and exert control over her life. There was one time when he reached home in an inebriated state and demanded to check her phone. As a result of Jessica’s refusal, he pinned her to the bed, pushed his thumbs into her eyes and pressed his fingers hard into her neck. While recalling the moment, she shared, “I thought I was going to die. Afterwards, Dillan said it was my fault.” Jesicca was so blind in love that whenever her friends inquired about her bruises she covered for Dillan by making an excuse.
In September 2022, Billany punched Jessica and busted her lips open. She waited for him to sleep so that she could escape. Subsequently, he apologised to her. Owing to the intensity with which she loved him and thinking he would change, she forgave him. However, the abuse continued. Consequent to her mother’s suspicions, Jessica told her everything. Her mother was shocked and urged her to report him to the police.
The situation reached a horrifying climax when Billany sent an explicit video to her mother, and later physically attacked her, breaking her arm. Billany called her to apologise to her and make things right but she ended their relationship for good.
But, that was not the end of the story. Jessica bumped into Billany this year in February where he told her that he didn’t want to end things with her on a bad note. He also invited her for a drink. She agreed to go out with him thinking that she would convince him to delete the video. When both of them were at the bar, Billany showed Jessica the footage. She begged him to delete it but he refused. After Jessica left, Billany followed her. He kicked her in the leg and spat on her face.
Despite enduring unimaginable pain, Jessica found the strength to report Billany to the police. In March, she received a message from him telling her he wanted to fix things. Out of desperation to get the video deleted, she agreed. They met at a crowded place but that made no difference. He accused her of being with other men. Both of them left. Moments later, Billany ran towards her and grabbed her by her right arm. He twisted it up her back and pushed her onto the floor. Jessica shared that the pain she felt at that moment was extremely intense and she felt like she was going to pass out. ” Dillan took my phone and house keys from my bag and ran off,” she added.
Emergency services arrived and rushed her to Hull Royal Infirmary. An X-ray showed that her arm was broken. She also had to undergo a three-hour operation where surgeons inserted 12 bolts, three wires and 37 staples into her arm. She spent five days at the hospital recovering. Jessica said: “I was terrified of going home, so when I was discharged, I moved in with a friend”.
Meanwhile, Billany pleaded guilty to disclosure of a private sexual film with intent to cause distress, assault by beating, inflicting grievous bodily harm and theft. In August, he was sentenced to three years in prison at Hull Crown Court.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Jessica stated, “Dillan ruined my life. I always thought he’d change, but he never did. I want to encourage other survivors to find the courage to leave as soon as they become controlling.”
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