CONNOR CUDE BUSTED IN SOUTH LONDON FOR FIRST BREACH OF DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTION ORDER

In a significant development within the realm of domestic abuse law enforcement, Connor Cude, a 25-year-old man from South London, has become the first individual to be convicted of violating a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (Dapo) in London. The incident occurred on January 7, when Cude was attempting to leave his former partner’s residence via the back garden, an act that directly contravened the legal restrictions placed upon him.

The Dapo had been issued in December, following a series of troubling events that culminated in police intervention. The order explicitly prohibited Cude from making any contact with the woman or visiting her home. The background to this legal action traces back to a three-month relationship between the two, which ended amid concerns that prompted police involvement. On December 28, officers responded to a disturbance at her residence, leading to Cude’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

Following his arrest, Cude appeared before Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, where he pleaded guilty to three separate counts of breaching the Domestic Abuse Protection Order. His sentencing is scheduled for February 24 at Croydon Crown Court. The case marks a notable milestone, as it is the first prosecution in London under the new legislation designed to strengthen protections for victims of domestic abuse.

Lionel Idan, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for London South, emphasized the importance of this legal precedent, stating, “No domestic abuse victim should ever have to live in fear of their abuser. Connor Cude flagrantly breached the order only a few days after it was imposed. I hope this first prosecution in London for this breach of a Domestic Abuse Protection Order sends a strong message that offenders will be prosecuted.”

The introduction of these new Dapos, legislated by the previous government in 2021, has been part of a broader effort to enhance legal safeguards against domestic violence. The orders, which began trialling in parts of England and Wales in November, are now active in several regions, including the London Boroughs of Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton, as well as Greater Manchester and under the jurisdiction of the British Transport Police. Further pilot programs are planned for Cleveland and North Wales early in 2025, with a view toward a nationwide rollout.

These orders are versatile tools, capable of being imposed by any court, and are designed to address all forms of domestic abuse without a time limit. They can include provisions such as exclusion zones and requirements for abusers to attend behavior change programs. Breaching an order is a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison. In the most serious cases, family courts will also have the authority to impose electronic tagging for up to 12 months—a measure previously limited to criminal courts and police. Additionally, victims’ friends and family members now have the ability to apply for these orders on their behalf, further strengthening the protective framework for those affected by domestic violence.