SUSPENDED JAIL SENTENCE FOR RASEN MAN
At Lincoln Crown Court, 57-year-old Dean Hilton admitted to controlling and coercive behaviour towards his former partner during the latter part of their three-decade relationship, which ended in 2020.Hilton was found to have inflicted emotional, physical, and financial abuse on the victim in the years leading up to their separation.
The court heard that Hilton became increasingly unstable and aggressive, physically assaulting his partner on various occasions, resulting in injuries such as bruises and pain.
He also maintained tight financial control over her and kept her isolated from her social connections, the court was told.
Hilton, residing on Partridge Close, pleaded guilty to charges covering the period from 2015 to 2020.
He made this confession at the start of his trial and has no previous criminal record.
Defence solicitor Edna Leonard explained that Hilton has made efforts to combat his alcohol dependency and is now caring for a new partner.
She argued that although Hilton's offences surpass the threshold for imprisonment, a suspended sentence would be appropriate in this case.
Leonard added that there have been no new police reports and highlighted that Hilton has overcome his alcohol issues since his previous relationship.
The Probation Service believes he is capable of rehabilitation.
Passing sentence, Recorder William Thomas KC stated that the effects on the victim were significant and enduring.
Nonetheless, the judge expressed confidence in Hilton’s potential for reform.
Hilton received a sentence of 22 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete a 'Building Better Relationships' course along with 40 days of Rehabilitation Activity.
A lifetime restraining order was also imposed, barring him from contacting the victim forever.
