MANCHESTER MAN GETS COMMUNITY ORDER AFTER ABUSING GIRLFRIEND
Alexander Heavens, aged 24, was convicted in Manchester of psychological abuse related to his violent and controlling behaviour towards his former partner, Stacey Booth.The court heard that Heavens, from Failsworth near Oldham, committed a range of abusive acts, including physically assaulting her, biting her arm, slamming her fingers back, punching her, trampling on her, and pulling out a knife during heated arguments.
He used her sleeping at night to fingerprint unlock her iPhone by placing her thumb on the device's home button, then accessed her messages and emails to check if she was seeing other men.
He also woke her up repeatedly to question her about her contacts, keeping her awake all night, which affected her work and sleep.
The court described how he would wake her to check her phone for messages from others, pushed her onto the kitchen floor, stood on her, and held a knife to his stomach when confronted about his suspicions.
The prosecution stated that he also punched her in the face and assaulted her physically and mentally over a prolonged period, starting in 2016 after the relationship soured due to his cocaine use and jealousy.
Miss Booth described her ordeal as feeling like the relationship was normal at the time, but now she realizes it was abusive.
Despite this, Heavens was sentenced to a 12-month community order, largely due to blaming his actions on drinking and cocaine use and efforts to change, including holding a full-time job in demolition.
The judge, Martin Rudland, acknowledged Heavens' attempts to reform but warned that if further trouble occurred, he would face harsher penalties.
Miss Booth criticized the leniency, warning that such a decision might discourage other women from reporting abuse.
A restraining order now bans Heavens from contacting Miss Booth.
The court highlighted the serious physical and emotional abuse she suffered, including being punched, trampled, and subjected to mental control, with court evidence showing her injuries and emotional distress.
