OFFENDER PHILIP HUMPHREYS SENTENCED AFTER CONTROLLING AND ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR
A man who severely assaulted his partner during a holiday in Spain has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison after his original sentence was deemed too lenient.Philip Humphreys, aged 39 and a former military service member, engaged in a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior that was first addressed in May 2022.
His initial sentence was an 18-month suspended imprisonment, accompanied by 200 hours of unpaid work and a 25-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
The case was escalated to the Court of Appeal by the Attorney General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, which resulted in the sentencing being increased.
Humphreys met his victim online in April 2022, but soon displayed controlling tendencies, accusing her of wanting to have sex with other men, monitoring her whereabouts, and controlling her clothing choices.
He also repeatedly solicited money from her to support his addiction to drugs and gambling.
In September 2022, he attacked her in their hotel room during a trip, hitting her with his elbows and shoulders, pulling her hair forcefully enough to rip her extensions, and grabbing her around the neck to strangle her.
The assault was halted when a hotel receptionist knocked on the door.
The victim later said she believed she might have been killed if not for this intervention.
Following their breakup, Humphreys continued to intimidate her by repeatedly driving past her home.
The Attorney General highlighted concern over the persistent abuse and pushed for stronger sentencing for domestic violence cases.
