PHILLIP LABRUM

DEVON 'CHARMER' JAILED FOR CONTROLLING BEHAVIOUR AND VIOLENCE

Phillip Labrum, a 61-year-old former solicitor from Kingsbridge, was convicted and sentenced for controlling behaviour and assault arising from an abusive marriage.

His former wife described her experience of living in constant fear due to his jealous, possessive, and manipulative actions.

He regularly belittled her by calling her old, fat, and ugly, restricted her movements, and isolated her from family and friends.

His drinking led to violent incidents, including a notable assault while driving home from South Hams.

During the incident, Labrum was intoxicated and launched into an abusive rant at his wife, grabbing, pushing, and restraining her in his car for miles.

He also admitted to breaching a suspended sentence and a restraining order.

Previously, Labrum was jailed for perverting the course of justice in 2010 and had a conviction for threatening behaviour against a previous partner.

Judge David Evans described Labrum as a 'practised deceiver' and an 'arrogant and controlling individual,' criticizing his manipulation and refusal to accept responsibility.

The court sentenced him to two years and ten months in prison, and his estranged wife expressed relief at being freed from his control, recounting her feelings of fear, injury to her mental and physical health, and her realization of his manipulative nature.

She explained her initial support for him despite recognizing his aggressive behaviour, which she now understands was part of his pattern of emotional blackmail and abuse.