Failsworth Man Sentenced to Prison for Controlling and Abusive Behaviour

FAILSWORTH MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR CONTROLLING AND ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR

Gareth Lord appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday (August 8) after pleading guilty to engaging in a controlling and coercive relationship, assault by beating, and threatening to damage property.

The 41-year-old from Medlock Road, Failsworth, was involved in a manipulative and abusive relationship which started off seemingly pleasant but deteriorated after they moved in together last year.

Court proceedings revealed that Lord began to excessively control his partner’s life, preventing her from seeing her family and friends, often taking her keys to stop her from leaving.

He relentlessly called her whenever she attempted to leave the house.

Furthermore, Lord left his ex-partner in debt due to his cocaine addiction, which he made her fund.

During arguments, Lord threatened to kill himself and used ligatures or self-harm to manipulate her.

The victim felt emotionally manipulated but stayed due to fears that Lord might kill himself.

The relationship ended in September last year; during this time, Lord threatened her with a brick and punched her in the chin.

After arrest, Lord denied being controlling, claiming he was a victim of domestic abuse.

Judge Matthew Corbett-Jones sentenced Lord to 15 months in prison, complemented by a five-year restraining order that prohibits him from contacting his former partner in any way or attending her addresses.