RUGBY PLAYER JAILED FOR CONTROLLING AND ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR
An ex-girlfriend of a former West Yorkshire rugby league player who had a history of abuse has spoken out about her terrifying ordeal.Katy Lyles recounted her experience after being in a relationship with prop forward Daniel Igbinedion for 18 months, a relationship that started after they met at a Shipley gym.
Today, Igbinedion was sentenced to a term exceeding three years for subjecting Katy to a range of abusive behaviors.
His conduct became increasingly possessive and jealous, culminating in threats of killing her.
“He made threats that left me terrified of what he might do to myself and my family.
He kept me captive and stalked me everywhere,” she said.
The judge noted that Katy was held under control, even refusing to remove her coat when others advised her to do so.
She detailed how he strangled her with both hands, leaving her unable to breathe and fearing for her life.
In her victim statement, she explained that she suffers from flashbacks, anxiety, and sleepless nights following the abuse.
Katy spoke publicly, saying: “I wanted to share my story in the hope of protecting others from experiencing similar harm.” Court evidence showed that Igbinedion met Katy when he was her personal trainer, and their relationship initially was kept secret.
As time went on, his violent tendencies emerged.
She recalled an instance at a Christmas gathering where he called her a “slag,” causing her to hide beneath a coat.
Another time, he threw her over his shoulder and dragged her through the streets until a doorman intervened.
He has played for clubs such as Castleford Tigers, Dewsbury Rams, and Featherstone Rovers.
In October, he was convicted of controlling behavior and three assault charges dating from May 2018 to March 2020.
The judge described Igbinedion as feeling superior and under the influence of Katy, maintaining the relationship despite witnessing his aggression.
An incident after a night in Leeds involved him attacking her again in Bingley, confining her, and strangling her.
Katy now endures flashbacks, anxiety, and sleepless nights.
She stated her reasons for speaking out: “To help prevent others from facing what I did.” At 26, Igbinedion had struggled with mental health issues and been sectioned; he has since completed an anger management course while on remand.
He conveyed remorse through a letter to the judge and will see the end of his sporting career.
Judge Hatton sentenced him to three years and three months in prison, adding that only imprisonment was appropriate for the severity of his crimes.
A five-year restraining order was also issued, prohibiting his contact with Katy.
“The manner in which her testimony was given was courageous and compelling,” the judge concluded.
