Sam Williams has been sentenced at Newcastle Upon Tyne Magistrates Court for offences including controlling or coercive behaviour.
Sam Williams, 28, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship. He also pleaded guilty to assault by beating and two counts of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.
Lorraine Anson, reviewing lawyer at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:
“Sam Williams subjected his victim to controlling and coercive behaviour. He rarely allowed the victim to go out alone but when she did he would keep track of where she had gone, including making her keep parking receipts.
“He continuously belittled the victim and made her believe she needed only him, pushing her family and friends away. He checked her social media accounts and phone messages, and controlled her appearance by telling her what to wear and changing her hairstyle. After one argument Sam Williams physically assaulted the victim who escaped and called the police.
“This behaviour is sadly recognisable as being controlling and coercive. When one person holds more power than the other and creates fear around breaking someone else’s rules, it can strip people of their independence. This is exactly the behaviour that the offence of controlling and coercive behaviour aims to target and eradicate”.
Sentencing details:
Controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship - 18 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with a Community Order for 18 months.
Assault by beating - 18 weeks imprisonment concurrent, suspended for 18 months.
Two counts of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000 – ordered to pay costs
