THORPE-LE-SOKEN MAN CONTROLLED AND PUNCHED GIRLFRIEND
A PARANOID boyfriend poured milk over his partner and repeatedly punched her because he thought she had been unfaithful.David Rodwell, 34, had been in a relationship with his girlfriend for six years and insisted on constantly checking her phone to see who she had been talking to.
Between January 2024 and August of this year, Rodwell’s alcohol use spiralled out of control and he assaulted his partner – who is also the mother to his children – on several occasions.
Rodwell appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court via video link from prison.
Serena Berry, prosecuting, said his campaign of controlling behaviour involved him insulting his girlfriend on a regular basis and punching her when the two argued.
She said: “They have been in a relationship for six years and she has made disclosures that between January 1, 2024, and August 13, 2025, there have been a number of incidents of controlling and coercive behaviour.
“She says that on multiple times during that period there have been arguments which have taken place – in 2024 he poured milk over her for wanting to see a male friend from school.
“He punched her repeatedly, checked her phone, and called her a slag, implying she was worthless.
“He controlled her finances and there was physical intimidation which involved him blocking doors inside their house.” Ms Berry said an incident last month involved Rodwell returning home drunk and threatening to knock his girlfriend out before he picked up a knife and confronted a neighbour.
Rodwell, of Station Road, Thorpe-le-Soken, admitted one charge each of controlling and coercive behaviour, and possession of a knife in a public place.
Caroline Woodley, mitigating, said Rodwell’s time in custody since his arrest last month had been “a life-changing experience” and said he is motivated “to be the right type of father for his children”.
She said: “The threats and the violence are completely unacceptable.
“He had been assaulted earlier in the day by another neighbour – he took a knife to protect himself.
“Looking back, it was a very silly thing to do.
“He has had a period of abstinence – this is the greatest period of not drinking he has ever had.” Rodwell was sentenced to 28 weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months.
He will carry out 26 days of an accredited programme and 20 days of rehabilitation, and must pay £85 in costs and an £87 surcharge.
