LEWIS CORNISH'S CONTROL AND ABUSE IN NORWICH: COURT SENTENCE FOR COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR

A 26-year-old man named Lewis Cornish from Norwich has been found guilty of exerting severe control and coercive behavior over his partner, leading to a court hearing that revealed disturbing details of his actions. The Norwich Crown Court heard that Cornish subjected his partner to a series of manipulative and oppressive tactics, including forcing her to take the morning after pill and demanding proof of her menstrual bleeding to ensure she was not pregnant. These actions were part of a broader pattern of controlling behavior that aimed to dominate her personal choices and restrict her independence.

According to court proceedings, Cornish attempted to exert authority over his partner by dictating her clothing choices and limiting her communication with others. He also refused to include her on the tenancy agreement for their shared residence, a move that kept her under his control and allowed him to threaten eviction if she did not comply with his demands. Furthermore, he insisted that she use an intrauterine device (coil) as her contraceptive method, regularly checking to ensure it was in place. The court was told that Cornish's coercive tactics extended to forcing her to provide evidence of her menstrual cycle, which added to her humiliation and distress.

Prosecutor Tom Cockfroft described Cornish's controlling conduct as leaving the victim feeling 'humiliated' and characterized her relationship with him as 'guilt-inducing, stressful, and deflating.' The court heard that these behaviors spanned from June 2018 to February 2022, illustrating a prolonged period of emotional and psychological abuse.

Lewis Cornish appeared before the court on Monday, August 7, where he admitted to engaging in controlling or coercive behavior within an intimate or family relationship. His defense, presented by solicitor Michael Clare, emphasized Cornish's previously good character and included testimonials from acquaintances. Despite these positive references, Judge Anthony Bate acknowledged the presence of a 'darker side' to Cornish's personality, which influenced his decision.

As a result, Cornish was sentenced to a year in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years. The court also imposed additional requirements, including up to 40 days of rehabilitation activities and 240 hours of unpaid community work. Furthermore, Cornish was ordered to stay away from the victim for the next five years through a restraining order, aiming to prevent any further contact or harassment. This case highlights the serious nature of coercive control and the legal consequences faced by those who engage in such abusive behaviors in Norwich.