HEMEL HEMPSTEAD MAN JAILED FOR CONTROLLING AND PHYSICALLY ABUSING GIRLFRIEND
A man who subjected his girlfriend to isolation, control, and physical violence has been sentenced to prison.John Gardner, 33, from Tresilian Square, Hemel Hempstead, admitted to controlling and coercive behavior, resulting in a sentence of 20 months in jail.
According to court reports, Gardner separated his partner from her family and friends, asserting dominance over her daily life.
He forced her to delete contacts she did not approve of and demanded access to her emails and Facebook accounts.
Additionally, Gardner physically assaulted the woman, punching her and grabbing her by the throat.
One disturbing incident involved him taking a photograph of a handprint he left on her body after hitting her, which he considered humorous.
The court heard that Gardner displayed similar controlling behaviors soon after the relationship began in September 2015, forbidding his victim from contacting anyone he disapproved of, including her family during her pregnancy, and reacting with rage when she or her mother tried to communicate with her.
Gardner had previously received two cautions concerning past behavior towards a former partner.
After the assault and control incidents, the woman left their shared residence in May 2017.
Gardner was arrested shortly after and subsequently pleaded guilty.
He was also subjected to a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim and is required to inform the police of any romantic relationships for the next five years as part of a criminal behavior order.
The sentencing judge described Gardner's conduct as ‘appalling,’ emphasizing the serious harm caused to his partner.
