WILLIAM ROACH FROM WITHAM SENTENCED FOR CONTROL AND COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR IN SHOCKING CASE

A man described as 'jealous and insecure' has been handed a prison sentence of twenty months for his involvement in controlling and coercive actions directed towards his former partner. William Roach, aged 53, who resides on Chelmer Road in Witham, was found guilty of these offences by a jury after a detailed trial. Throughout the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Roach engaged in extensive messaging behavior, which involved demanding that his ex-partner inform him every time she communicated with another man, excluding her family members. This pattern of intrusive communication was part of a broader pattern of controlling conduct that severely impacted the victim's well-being.

During the trial, a victim statement was read aloud in court, painting a harrowing picture of the emotional and psychological toll inflicted by Roach. The statement detailed how Roach had left her personal belongings, including photographs, outside in the rain following their separation. The victim described her experience as a 'never-ending nightmare,' revealing that the stress had caused her hair to fall out in clumps. She also recounted how the sound of footsteps and closing doors would trigger panic attacks, illustrating the profound anxiety and fear she endured as a result of Roach's actions.

Roach himself did not deny his feelings of jealousy and insecurity during the proceedings. In fact, he openly admitted to these traits, which appeared to underpin much of his controlling behavior. The court also heard evidence that Roach had been recorded inside the victim's property without her consent, further demonstrating the extent of his invasive conduct. Despite his admission, the court emphasized that such behavior was unacceptable and unjustifiable.

It was noted that Roach was supported in court by his wife, whom he married just a month after his arrest, raising questions about the stability of his personal relationships. The judge sentenced Roach to twenty months in prison, with the stipulation that he would serve half of that time before being eligible for release on licence. Additionally, Roach was subjected to a five-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting or approaching the victim. The court made it clear that, regardless of the nature of their previous relationship, Roach's conduct was unlawful and not justified by any circumstances, emphasizing the importance of protecting victims from such controlling behavior.