LUKE SEFFENS FROM TUNBRIDGE WELLS SENTENCED TO NEARLY FIVE YEARS FOR VIOLENT ABUSE AND ESCAPE

A man named Luke Seffens, whose violent actions and abusive behavior towards his partner have shocked the community of Tunbridge Wells, has been handed a prison sentence of nearly five years. The incident and subsequent events unfolded over several months, culminating in a dramatic police chase and Seffens’s eventual arrest.

Seffens, 34 years old and residing on Powder Mill Lane in Tunbridge Wells, was the subject of a lengthy investigation following reports of sustained abuse and threats directed at a woman between September and December 2023. The victim endured a series of terrifying episodes, including random acts of violence, coercive control, and intimidation. During this period, Seffens would force her to take photographs on her phone to verify her whereabouts and would follow her to her workplace, creating an atmosphere of constant fear and surveillance.

The most severe incident occurred on December 4, 2023, when Seffens launched an unprovoked attack inside a flat, repeatedly assaulting the woman. During this assault, he broke a coffee mug over her head, causing physical harm. He also refused to let her leave and issued threats to stab and strangle her, further escalating the danger she faced. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape the following day and sought safety, prompting her to report the incident to the police.

Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, and during their efforts to apprehend Seffens, a police dog was deployed. The police tracked him through woodland and along rivers near Tunbridge Wells, eventually locating him after a foot chase. The chase was intense, with Seffens attempting to evade arrest, but Police Dog Elsa played a crucial role in tracking him into the wooded area near Vauxhall Lane, where he was finally detained.

Initially, Seffens was charged with multiple offenses, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, false imprisonment, criminal damage, and threats to damage property. Despite these charges, the courts granted him conditional bail while awaiting trial. However, Seffens did not adhere to the restrictions and continued to contact the victim, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the legal measures in place.

On July 31, 2024, Seffens attempted to evade arrest once again in the center of Tunbridge Wells. As officers approached him, he ran, leading to a lengthy pursuit through the town. The police dog Elsa was again called into action, helping to track Seffens into the woodland near Vauxhall Lane. His capture was confirmed after a thorough search, and he was taken into custody.

Following his arrest, Seffens pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including false imprisonment, engaging in controlling or coercive behavior, assault causing actual bodily harm, escape from lawful custody, criminal damage, and threats to damage property. The court also ordered that charges of intentional strangulation and additional controlling and coercive behavior be kept on file, reflecting the seriousness of his actions.

On January 28, 2025, Seffens appeared before Maidstone Crown Court, where he was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison. The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim or returning to the area, aiming to protect her from further harm. This case highlights the ongoing issues of domestic abuse and the importance of swift law enforcement response to such incidents in Tunbridge Wells.