ROYAL MARINE JAILED FOR ABUSING FORMER PARTNER
A former Royal Marine has received a 26-month prison sentence after being convicted of controlling and coercive conduct toward his ex-partner.In August, a jury in Taunton heard how 26-year-old Jayden Deakin, from Norton Fitzwarren in Somerset, inflicted physical and psychological abuse on his partner over several years.
At his sentencing at Taunton Crown Court, the judge described Deakin as a "coward" and a "bully," following a unanimous guilty verdict on the charges of controlling and coercive behaviour.
Detective Constable Eve Tomkinson, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s resilience, saying, "The victim in this case demonstrated extraordinary courage in speaking out.
It's a testament to her bravery and strength that a unanimous guilty verdict was reached," Previously, Deakin was acquitted of two rape counts.
The victim, who is currently serving in the Royal Navy, addressed the court via a statement, revealing that her experience continues to affect her.
She said, "Even though the relationship has now been over for almost three years, I still have to live with this trauma for the rest of my life and I've still got the scars on my hand and my arm that I have to look at every single day, they're not going anywhere.
"I want him to know that this behaviour is wrong and that I'm doing all of this to hopefully prevent him putting anyone else through the same trauma that I've had to go through." The court also issued a restraining order as part of Deakin’s punishment, aimed at safeguarding the victim and her mother.
A spokesperson for the Royal Navy emphasised their stance, saying, "Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces and we are committed to rooting out misconduct wherever we find it.
We commend the bravery of the victim for reporting criminal behaviour which falls well below the high standards of the Royal Navy.
Anyone who is found to have demonstrated behaviour which breaches our high standards can expect to face subsequent action, which for legal reasons remains a private matter."
