JEALOUS BOYFRIEND CJ RICHARDSON SENTENCED FOR COERCIVE CONTROL AND HARASSMENT
Controlling CJ Richardson, aged 21, has been found guilty of coercive control and harassment towards his former partner.Richardson repeatedly accused his girlfriend of infidelity, made her take photos and send them to him to prove her whereabouts, and restricted her from visiting her family or visiting her child's grave.
He threatened to kill himself if she attempted to see her relatives and managed to stop her from visiting her child's resting place after expressing disapproval.
The court heard that Richardson's behavior included going through his partner's phone while she was asleep and deleting evidence of conversations, physically assaulting her by punching a hole in a bathroom door, pushing her into a coat rack, and slapping her.
Richardson also sent her numerous threatening messages from a fake Instagram profile, including accusations, threats to damage her family’s home, and harassment.
He was arrested in December 2023 and bailed but continued to threaten her via messages until he was remanded in April for breaching bail conditions.
Richardson admitted to his actions, which led to a conviction on two counts of coercive control and one count of harassment.
The court sentenced him to 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to undertake drug and mental health rehabilitation programs.
A restraining order banning contact for seven years was also imposed.
Richardson wept in court during sentencing, and the judge recognized his admission of guilt, describing his behavior as disrespectful and noting the potential for rehabilitation.
The victim expressed fears of retaliation and noted that she now has a close relationship with her mother since the end of the relationship.
