Man jailed after wife records abuse

A man has been jailed after secret recordings revealed the horrifying abuse he inflicted on his wife.

Craig Watson, 42 of Coldhams Lane, Cambridge, made his victim’s life a misery for almost a decade by repeatedly beating and verbally abusing her, while continuing to blame her for “not listening” to him.

Watson’s campaign of abuse came to light after officers were called to their home following his latest vicious attack, on 7 December last year.

Following his arrest, the terrified victim told officers Watson had abused her since 2014 and handed over a series of audio clips she had gathered as part of an escape plan.

They included a recording from that evening’s incident where Watson could be heard threatening to “rip the victim’s head off”, and her screaming in pain while he beat her.

In other audio clips made in the months leading up to his arrest, Watson could be heard admitting to abuse, and that he “should be in a police cell”.

He can also be heard saying, “I hit you, but we are working through it”.

On one occasion last year, the victim tried to end the relationship, but Watson attacked her and told her she was not allowed to move out and she wouldn’t survive without him.

There were other documented incidents where Watson spat at her, called her vile names, pulled her hair, ridiculed her job, and told her what she ate was “his food”.

On Monday, 29 April, Watson appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a crown court, where he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison, after pleading guilty to common assault and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

DC Alex Galan-Tarachiu, who investigated, said: “First of all I would like to commend the victim for her bravery and putting her trust in us. I hope the guilty pleas and sentence will help allow her to begin to move on following years of abuse.

“This case highlights that coercive and controlling behaviour is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated. This type of domestic abuse can have a huge impact on victims: they can suffer from the threat and fear of injury, daily intimidation and having every aspect of their life monitored and controlled.

“We would strongly urge anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to contact police or call the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.”

To report concerns or for more advice and support on domestic abuse, including coercive control, visit the force’s dedicated web page.