CHRISTIAN FELTON'S BRUTAL ABUSE IN BIRMINGHAM: COURT SENTENCE FOR COERCIVE CONTROL AND VIOLENCE

Christian Felton, a man from Birmingham, has been found guilty of a series of serious criminal offenses that included controlling and coercive behavior, deliberate strangulation, and multiple counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The conviction follows an 18-month period during which Felton subjected his partner to relentless and severe abuse, with the court hearing harrowing details of the violence inflicted upon her.

During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Felton assaulted his partner at least 15 times over the course of their tumultuous relationship. The incidents involved a disturbing pattern of violence that included stamping on her, spitting, strangulation, biting, and even threatening to unleash dogs on her. One particularly distressing episode involved Felton demanding that she remove her top, which he claimed belonged to him. This demand forced her to flee the scene in her bra and cycling shorts, seeking refuge at a nearby pub to escape the ongoing abuse.

The court also heard that Felton had posted menacing videos online, in which he was seen setting fire to her belongings, further demonstrating his intent to intimidate and control her. Additionally, he trashed her possessions, leaving her feeling devastated and helpless. The victim described her emotional and physical state following the abuse, stating that she felt like a shell of her former self. She explained that she could no longer drink alcohol without feeling as if her chest was going to cave in, and she lived in constant fear, avoiding social interactions and places she once enjoyed.

It was also established that Felton’s violent outbursts were often preceded by alcohol or drug consumption. The court noted that these substances played a significant role in fueling his aggressive behavior. Despite his initial denial of wrongdoing, Felton later expressed remorse through a letter, which was considered during sentencing. Throughout his time in prison, Felton completed various courses and has taken on a mentoring role for other inmates, indicating some effort at rehabilitation.

Judge Samantha Crabb emphasized that Felton’s substance abuse was a major contributing factor to his violent conduct, although she acknowledged that his complex trauma diagnosis also played a part. The court sentenced Felton to five years and six months in prison for his crimes. Furthermore, a restraining order was issued, prohibiting Felton from contacting or approaching the victim for a period of 15 years. The court also highlighted Felton’s troubled background, including leaving home at the age of 14, and noted that his relationship with the victim was on-and-off from June 2021 until December 2022, spanning over a year and a half of turmoil and violence.