Man controlled partner for seven years

A man who controlled and abused his partner for seven years has been jailed.

Ashley Baker, 41, subjected her to a barrage of abuse and controlling behaviour, including making her call him during her lunchbreak from work every day and forbidding her from going to the canteen.

He repeatedly quizzed her about who she had been speaking to and working with and once fell out with her on the way back from the supermarket because he thought another man was looking at her. Once at home he smashed a coffee table in a rage and pinned her up against a wall by her throat.

He forced her to wear vest tops under clothes to hide her chest and made her close the blinds at home if she wanted to do a workout. 

Finally, he tried to alienate her from family and friends, accusing them of causing trouble in their relationship.

He controlled all aspects of her everyday life and regularly shouted and became physically violent. On one occasion, the victim’s son recorded the abuse to show to police.

Baker, of Wood Street, Doddington, March, pleaded guilty to engaging in controlling behaviour and was sentenced to two years and three months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (10 May).

PC Rachael Copeland, who investigated, said: “Baker subjected his partner to years of control and abuse. He robbed her of her friends and family and enjoyment of everyday life.

“I am glad justice has been done today and I want to praise the victim for her courage in coming forwards.

“Tackling domestic abuse is a priority area for the force and we will do all we can to bring offenders before the courts.”

For more on support and how to report domestic abuse, visit the dedicated pages of our website.

If you are worried your partner may have an abusive past, or have concerns about a friend or loved one’s partner, you can use the Clare's Law scheme by visiting our dedicated webpage.