HUDDERSFIELD MAN JAILED FOR CONTROLLING AND COERCIVE BEHAVIOR
A controlling and cruel man who would not even allow his partner to attend her grandmother's funeral has been sentenced to over two years in jail.Johnathon Betts, 28, lied about running a business and owning a home when he started the relationship.
In reality, he had only recently been released from prison for attacking a previous partner.
The court heard that Betts engaged in numerous controlling behaviors including isolating his partner from family and friends, threatening violence, and forbidding her from wearing certain clothes or makeup he disliked.
He also kept her awake at night, causing sleep deprivation.
Notably, shortly before the police were called, Betts prevented his partner from attending her grandmother's funeral, fearing she might speak to her family.
The woman had also accumulated debt due to Betts' demands for money and was threatened with harm, including being told he would 'smash her head in' and that he had thoughts of 'slitting her throat' after watching a TV series.
She described feeling unsafe and staying awake out of fear.
On another occasion, Betts asked her to strap his arms down so he wouldn't harm her, and after she cooked him a meal, he rubbed some of it in her hair, saying he wouldn't feed it to a dog.
The victim stated she was still suffering nightmares but was beginning to feel free and supported by the community.
Betts pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and was sentenced to two years and three months in prison.
The judge, Recorder Patrick Palmer, also imposed a lifetime restraining order preventing Betts from contacting or visiting the victim's address.
The court's assessment indicated that Betts poses a high risk of reoffending, and he must work to address his behavior.
