DAVID BARRETT

A man from Peterborough who denied assaulting his partner was caught in the act after she secretly recorded some of the abuse.

David Barrett, aged 40, received a prison sentence exceeding two years following the victim’s disclosure of the recordings to law enforcement.

Police officials have commended her courage and encouraged other victims of domestic violence to seek assistance.

During court proceedings at Peterborough Crown Court, it was revealed that Barrett was reported to police on September 7 by a relative of the victim, who detailed injuries inflicted during an argument.

Officers responded to the residence and confirmed that Barrett had physically assaulted the woman after a disagreement, which involved grabbing her by the neck.

The dispute originated from her disagreeing with something Barrett had done.

The woman also revealed a history of abuse, including verbal insults and an incident in July where she was strangled.

The victim had managed to record covert videos of some of the abuse and captured photos of her injuries.

Barrett, living on Davis Place in Peterborough, was detained but initially denied all allegations during police interviews.

He claimed the only physical act was pushing the woman away in self-defense.

However, upon viewing the video evidence, he acknowledged that his conduct was unacceptable.

Charged with the offences, Barrett appeared in court and admitted to coercive control and two counts of intentional strangulation.

On Thursday, April 4, he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

Detective Constable Andrew Donaldson, who led the investigation, expressed support for the sentence, mentioning that one video showed Barrett threatening to pour boiling water and sugar on his partner’s face, while another revealed him controlling her finances.

A third recording included him telling her that no one would help her because nobody cared.

DC Donaldson praised the victim’s bravery and hoped the conviction would bring her some relief from her trauma.

He also highlighted that laws introduced in 2022 now allow for up to five years in prison for those who strangle their partners or use other forms of intimidation.

The officer emphasized that domestic abuse is not always physical—victims may also suffer from constant threats, fear, surveillance, and emotional manipulation.

Coercive control is a criminal offense, and law enforcement authorities take such reports very seriously.