MAN 'MANIPULATED, DOMINATED AND DEGRADED' WIFE AND MADE CHILLING THREAT
A court has heard that Christopher Haynes, a former teacher, subjected his wife to years of controlling and abusive conduct.The court was told that Haynes exerted manipulation, dominance, and degradation over his spouse, determining who she could see, who could visit their home, and even what music was played indoors.
He also frequently claimed to have influential friends within the Freemasons and boasted that he could have her murdered with a single phone call.
Judge Geraint Walters at Swansea Crown Court described Haynes, aged 58, as someone who had "ruthlessly controlled and manipulated" his now ex-wife and who had "effectively stolen her identity." The judge pointed out that, according to the pre-sentence report, Haynes attempted to blame his former partner and attempted to justify his actions, indicating he appeared unable to fully accept responsibility for his behaviour.
It was also revealed that after divorcing his wife, Haynes, who previously taught English at a secondary school, remarried.
Prosecutor Craig Jones explained that the marriage initially started well but deteriorated as Haynes became increasingly controlling.
He claimed that Haynes saw himself as "more intelligent than others" and sought to prevent his wife from socialising or engaging in activities outside the home without him, going as far as to pressure her to quit her job, disparaging her colleagues as "below him." The court heard that Haynes would accuse his wife of laziness, dictate the music to be played, and control visits to the house.
His abusive conduct was coupled with gifts and the spending of money the family lacked, often on expensive holidays.
Haynes also made repeated references to his alleged connections within the Freemasons, claiming it would take only "one call, one bullet" to have her killed through his contacts.
The case revealed Haynes' frequent heavy drinking and described how life at home became tense, with the wife later recalling it felt like "walking on eggshells every day." When arrested, Haynes denied making any threats and stated he was "besotted" with his wife and willing to do anything for her.
Previously, he had pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behavior on the day of his trial.
He has no prior criminal record.
Haynes' legal representative, Caitlin Brazel, explained that his late admission of guilt stemmed from his difficulty accepting he was an alcoholic and feelings of shame and embarrassment.
She detailed that Haynes, previously a school English teacher, had to leave his job at 50 due to health issues, turning to alcohol as a way to cope.
The judge sentenced Haynes to 21 months in prison after taking into account a 10% reduction for his guilty plea.
He will serve half of the sentence in custody before being released on license and subject to a lifelong restraining order preventing contact with his former wife.
