CONTROLLING BULLY JAILED
A controlling and manipulative boyfriend subjected his partner to repeated threats and assaults, causing her to live in constant fear.Ashley Browne, who demonstrated coercive behaviour over an eight-month period, once threatened to visit her home in Warrington and urinate in her letterbox.
When questioned by police about these allegations, the 37-year-old boldly claimed he was the victim, a statement that a judge dismissed as ‘nonsense’.
Browne pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.
Prosecutor Lee Bonner explained that the victim met Browne through a dating website.
Their relationship initially appeared normal but deteriorated as his behaviour changed, including monitoring her social media and abusing her.
She discovered that when she was sleeping, he would access her accounts to block men she might find attractive.
Browne also isolated her from friends; at her workplace, he insisted on joining her and became aggressive, flicking her head and accusing her of flirting.
In October 2023, while she hosted a friend at her home, he repeatedly sent voice notes asking about her activity.
Prosecutors revealed that he threatened to come to her house and urinate in her letterbox.
Another disturbing incident involved him dragging her by the throat across the lounge and throwing objects, resulting in scars on her forehead and knee.
During the assault, he also twisted her hand and broke her nail, causing her significant pain.
By January of the following year, their relationship was unstable, and he forcibly entered her home, seized her phone, hurled it across the room, and called her names.
When she tried to call police, he forcefully headbutted her twice, warning her she would be dead if she involved authorities.
Browne also made her wear baggy clothing to hide her attractiveness and invaded her privacy, including during bathroom visits.
He constantly monitored her, accusing her of flirting.
She ended the relationship on January 11 last year and reported him to police the next day.
That evening, he confronted her at a bowling alley with her children, warning her to leave or he would harm her.
He was removed by staff, and soon afterwards, a neighbour informed her that Browne was outside her house.
Police arrested him and seized his phone.
During police interviews, Browne admitted feelings of jealousy but claimed she was the violent and controlling one.
The victim described feeling ‘frightened, worthless, and anxious’ due to his behaviour.
Despite court bans, Browne continued contacting her in March, leading to a re-arrest after he claimed she had ‘kicked off at him’.
His solicitor, Eve Salter, stated Browne has no prior convictions, expressed remorse, and that he pleaded guilty before trial to avoid her giving evidence.
He has two teenage children with whom he maintains contact and is eager to return to work and improve family relationships.
It was noted that while in custody, Browne has reflected on his actions and his outlook has shifted.
Judge Gary Woodhall, who sentenced Browne via video link from prison, remarked that he exerted ‘subversive control’ over her, leaving her diminished.
The judge emphasised Browne’s controlling and jealous behaviour aimed at isolating her from social interactions, describing his abuse and name-calling.
He stated that Browne poses a considerable risk of offending again and has caused the victim to feel unsafe even in her own home.
Consequently, Browne was sentenced to 29 months in prison and given a 10-year restraining order to prevent contact with her.
