Man jailed for coercive abuse and violent assault on partner in Camborne

MAN JAILED FOR COERCIVE ABUSE AND VIOLENT ASSAULT ON PARTNER IN CAMBORNE

Ben Adams from Camborne was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his coercive, abusive and violent behaviour against his former partner between July 2020 and October 2022.

The court heard that the 67-year-old engaged in coercive, controlling, and violent behaviour, including strangling, hitting with a wooden stick or knife handle, dragging her down stairs, hitting her head against kitchen cupboards, and kicking her in the head.

His Honour Judge Simon Carr emphasized that Adams showed no remorse and continued to blame his partner for the abuse, which included emotional and physical torment.

The victim provided a powerful impact statement describing how Adams insulted her, demeaned her, and inflicted both verbal and physical violence, sometimes claiming to protect and love her while actually causing her harm.

She explained how Adams made her believe she was provoking him and wore her bruises as a 'badge of honour,' but she is now learning to realize that it was not her fault.

The abuse has left her with nightmares, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and difficulties reconnecting with friends and family.

Adams initially denied the allegations, claiming his partner was the attacker, but ultimately pleaded guilty to engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

During sentencing, his defense cited his past domestic abuse experience, PTSD diagnosis, and ongoing counseling, claiming potential for rehabilitation.

However, the judge described Adams' conduct as one of the 'most serious' seen in court, condemning his minimization and victim blaming, and imposed a 15-month custodial sentence along with a five-year restraining order prohibiting contact with his victim.