Tonbridge Man Jailed for Coercive and Controlling Abuse

A man who demanded his partner wear loose clothing at all times and kept curtains shut to prevent her seeing outside has been jailed for coercive and controlling behaviour.Grant Jeffery, 33, from Tonbridge, admitted guilt and was sentenced to three years and one month in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday.He will also be subject to a 10-year restraining order.The victim, who feared she would be harmed if she did not follow Jeffery's demands, lost weight and fell seriously ill, leading to her hospitalization.Jeffery, of no fixed address, also barred the woman from contacting friends or family, and while she was in hospital in September 2023, he visited repeatedly, requiring her phone to be kept on video call to monitor her.He also assaulted her at the hospital and was arrested by Kent Police officers outside the hospital on 21 September.Detective Constable Jake Squire of the West Kent Proactive Domestic Abuse Team described Jeffery as an "aggressive bully who used threats and intimidation to exert complete control over his victim". He added, "It is rightful that he is now serving a prison sentence, and I hope this gives his victim the chance to recover her health and rebuild her life."