MAN JAILED FOR YEARS-LONG CAMPAIGN AGAINST PARTNER
A man responsible for subjecting his partner to an extended period of controlling and coercive conduct that rendered her life miserable has been sentenced to prison.Shaun Finney, aged 46, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, June 4, where he was convicted of actions carried out between January 1, 2021, and February 27, 2025.
His abusive actions involved financial manipulation, issuing threats, and withholding financial support unless she engaged in sexual acts with him.
Additionally, he questioned her about her location and conversations, accused her of infidelity, and installed CCTV cameras to monitor her movements daily.
Prosecutor Jonathan Keane described Finney’s behaviour, which was directed at a woman with whom he had an intermittent relationship.
During this period, he threatened to publicly share intimate images of her on social media.
The court was told that after they reconciled following a breakup, the abuse intensified, with Finney asserting that he would impose his "rules" and demand sex whenever he wished.
He regularly sent her messages and used emotional coercion, with her complying to prevent disputes.
His misconduct also escalated during a holiday, where he acted abusively after she refused to have sex with him.
Specific allegations include financial manipulation and threats to withhold support payments unless she agreed to sex.
One notable incident occurred on Boxing Day 2024, when Finney, despite their separation, forcefully entered her home, approached her aggressively, and claimed she was lucky he didn't hit her, calling her a derogatory name.
He also threatened to burn her sheds down.
Further cruelty involved feeding her dogs treats believed to be rat poison, intending to torment her, and threatening to take her dogs away.
The victim impact statement read aloud in court detailed the severe emotional and psychological toll inflicted by Finney’s behaviour.
It was also disclosed that Finney has a criminal record with ten previous convictions covering twelve offenses, including harassment of an ex-partner.
Defending Finney, Louise McCloskey said her client had entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity and had been “frank” about his offending, which “in this type of case is unusual”.
She added that, while he had a previous conviction for ABH, there have been no previous assaults against a partner and said that his prison sentence could be one capable of being suspended.
However, judge Recorder Anna Pope KC said the sentence she passed “must be served immediately” as she jailed Finney, of Jackson Street, St Helens, who had pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.
“It is clear your behaviour had a substantial impact on your victim,” the judge said, adding, “I’m satisfied she was caused psychological harm.
“Your culpability has been properly described as high.
This was a persistent action over a prolonged period, there were multiple methods of coercive behaviour.” The judge added that aggravating factors include Finney’s previous conviction for harassment, and that “there were some attempts to prevent (the victim) reporting” his behaviour, and described the incident on Boxing Day as “serious”.
The judge stated she had listened to what was said on Finney’s behalf and noted that he is working with probation.
However, she said neither a fine nor a community order would suffice.
She said after a trial, Finney would have received a 28-month jail term, reduced to 18 months for his guilty plea.
She said his course of conduct was so serious “that punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody”.
“You present a serious risk of harm to your victim, you made her life a living hell.
“I’m satisfied the sentence must be served immediately.” Finney will serve up to half the term in custody before being released on licence.
The court also imposed a 10-year restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim.
