22-MONTH JAIL FOR CONTROLLING PARTNER WHO THREATENED TO KILL AND ARMED HIMSELF WITH A KNIFE
Cameron Bennett, who displayed controlling behavior, has been sentenced to prison after threatening to kill his partner and her child.The 23-year-old accused his girlfriend of being unfaithful, which led the owner of the property where Bennett was staying to remove his belongings outside.
In a fit of anger, Bennett ran downstairs armed with a knife and made threatening comments about killing the woman and her child.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told that his partner was frightened and believed he would carry out his threats.
During the incident, Bennett pushed her and caused damage within the home.
He was sentenced to 22 months behind bars.
Prosecutor Fiona Cortese described the relationship as 'toxic' and highlighted Bennett's controlling tendencies over a three-month period.
She said he regularly video-called her, monitored her communications, and was driven by jealousy and insecurity, preventing her from talking to male friends and accusing her of cheating.
On January 11, while socialising with friends at a house in Dunkirk, Newcastle, his mood shifted negatively when he was told he could no longer stay there.
Despite her efforts to leave, Bennett was dismissive when she tried to communicate.
Later that evening, at around 9 pm, he became aggressive upon coming downstairs, prompting the homeowner to ask him to leave and place his personal items outside.
Bennett then grabbed a serrated knife and threatened to kill her and her child.
The frightened victim feared for her safety.
Police arrived, recovered the knife from beneath a mattress, and Bennett told officers he had intended to use the weapon for self-harm.
The court imposed a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim or returning to her address in Somerset for ten years, and also confiscated the knife.
The victim has reported that the incident has affected her mental health.
Defense solicitor Anis Ali explained that Bennett was experiencing emotional distress at the time due to his father’s suicide.
Ali added that Bennett accepted the relationship was over and did not seek reconciliation.
Bennett admitted to charges of making a threat to kill, assault causing actual bodily harm, and criminal damage, receiving a sentence of 22 months in prison.
