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Man jailed for assault, false imprisonment and controlling or coercive behaviour |
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A 41-year-old man from Clare has been jailed after being found guilty of offences including controlling or coercive behaviour.
Benjamin Woodrow, of High Street in Clare, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 3 October for sentencing after being found guilty by majority jury verdict of assault by beating, false imprisonment and using controlling or coercive behaviour, at a previous hearing.
The offences related to one woman.
The court heard that Woodrow woke the victim in the early hours one morning by slapping and punching her after reading messages on her phone. He then strangled her around her neck with both hands, before locking her in the bathroom for eight hours.
Woodrow had thrown the key out of a window and had taken the victim’s phone so she had no means to call for help.
During this time Woodrow would return to repeatedly assault her by punching or slapping and, at one point, forced her to drink a bowl of his urine, using degrading language and making threats to harm her if she stopped.
Woodrow was arrested three days after the incident, after a third-party disclosure was made to police.
Following his arrest, Woodrow breached bail conditions to message the victim threatening to harm himself.
He was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and was made subject of a restraining order for seven years.
Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Thomas Handley-Howard said: “This was a deeply disturbing case, where the victim was subjected to prolonged and degrading abuse.
“Some of the other behaviours displayed by Woodrow included checking the victim’s phone, using derogatory names and threatening to harm her or himself. These behaviours indicate a significant risk to women with his need to control and coerce through violence and psychological abuse.
“He then denied any wrongdoing, forcing the victim to relive her experiences in court. “I would like to commend the victim’s courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation to secure this conviction.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help. Victims are encouraged to contact police or the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 977 5690.
A list of support organisations can also be found here>
Further support and advice can be found on the Suffolk Constabulary website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/
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