Southampton man jailed for controlling abuse and stalking ex-partner

A Southampton man named Lloyd Rooke has been convicted for a series of abusive behaviors towards his ex-partner. Beginning in August 2020 at an address in Woolston, he engaged in coercive and controlling actions, including kicking her, stamping on her, throwing a phone at her, whipping her with a metal coat hanger, dunking her head in bath water, and threatening her with death. He also gaslighted her by denying incidents, claiming her actions affected his mental health, and threatening self-harm if she tried to leave. His abuse extended to verbal assaults, including spraying disinfectant in her eyes, ripping a TV off the wall, spitting at her, and physically assaulting her due to his own hunger or perceived neglect. After these incidents, she confided in her mother, and they reported the abuse to police. Rooke was arrested and later bailed with conditions not to contact the victim but repeatedly breached these rules, including turning up at her workplace, texting, and messaging her on social media. On April 29, he followed her in his car, nudged her vehicle as she drove away, and threatened to crash into her workplace building, speeding towards and braking at the last moment multiple times. The victim described the psychological toll, stating she was conditioned to stay awake until Rooke was ready to end arguments, and had contemplated suicide, but now feels safe and free with her family and friends' support. Rooke, of Allington Lane, West End, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and received a seven-year restraining order at Southampton Crown Court. The Chief Inspector of Southampton Neighbourhoods Policing Team praised her bravery and emphasized that violence towards women and girls must have no place in society.