Hartlepool Man Jailed for Domestic Violence and Coercive Control

Daryl Forster, aged 33, was found guilty of several serious domestic violence offenses against his partner, who is also the mother of their three children. The court heard evidence that he subjected her to repeated assaults and attacks over a span of four years. He was convicted on two counts of coercive control, four counts of actual bodily harm through assault, and threats communicated via messages, following a jury trial. The judge described a disturbing pattern of violence that included kicking his partner, grabbing her by the throat, strangulation, punching her, dragging her to the floor, stamping on her leg, and damaging her possessions such as her laptop and television. Many of these acts appeared motivated by jealousy and accusations of infidelity, with Forster even blaming their children for some damages during proceedings. The court acknowledged the profound harm caused, particularly noting that their children witnessed the abuse. His former partner shared her difficulties, revealing how she was denied autonomy in her life and how she concealed injuries and emotional wounds from her family. Forster’s criminal record includes thirty prior convictions, predominantly related to domestic violence. The judge called this case potentially one of the worst instances of domestic abuse he has encountered, highlighting the trauma inflicted and the victim’s need to seek refuge. In 2023, he received a sentence of five years in prison—serving four years immediately, with an additional year on extended license—and was subject to an indefinite restraining order to keep him away from his former partner. Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Genyfer Smith praised the victim’s bravery and emphasized that law enforcement and the judiciary are committed to addressing domestic abuse, urging other victims to come forward and report such incidents.