MAN JAILED FOR TWO YEARS FOR VIOLENT DOMESTIC ABUSE USING BOOTS CODE WORD
A woman fleeing from her violent and manipulative partner managed to call for help at a Boots store by using a prearranged secret code word.When she requested 'Ani' at the pharmacy counter, staff members recognized this as a distress signal and quickly contacted police.
Authorities arrested Anthony Ballard, who subsequently admitted to charges of causing actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behavior.
This incident was reported by the Liverpool Echo.
During the court hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Stuart Drive QC stated that the abuse and controlling conduct by Ballard towards the woman took place last month.
The woman provided a statement indicating she has now been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is on medication.
The judge recognized Ballard’s mental health issues but stressed that an immediate custodial sentence was justified, leading to a two-year prison sentence and a ten-year restraining order to ensure her safety.
At sentencing, it was revealed that Ballard was on license from a previous six-year sentence for conspiracy to commit burglaries and had been recalled to prison, with a release date scheduled for July of the following year.
Prosecutors explained that Ballard met the victim in late 2020 via a dating site, and their relationship was initially harmonious.
However, violence erupted in April or May of the previous year, triggered when she made unfavorable comparisons to her past partners.
In response, Ballard became extremely angry, grabbing her by the hair, pinning her to the bed, and threatening to shoot her.
His assaults included leaving bruises, pulling out some of her hair, pouring water over her, and going through her social media accounts to delete photos of injuries she tried to conceal.
His controlling behavior extended to limiting her shopping options and forcing her to take their dog to prevent her from entering other people's homes.
His violence escalated to pouring water and ashtray contents on her head and dragging her up stairs by her hair.
He also used manipulative tactics like restricting her clothing choices, deleting messages, and exploiting her insecurities, which left her feeling emotionally drained and with diminished self-esteem.
Her relationships with family and friends declined, and she now fears what might happen when he is released.
Legal considerations noted that Ballard was very jealous and possessive but believed in their relationship, albeit with immature conduct.
The court sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment, to run alongside his existing sentence, which is due to end in July next year.
