SUSPENDED JAIL TERM FOR 'ANXIOUS' YOUNG MAN WHO CONTROLLED PARTNER
A YOUNG North Cumbrian man who subjected his partner to controlling behaviour had the worst anxiety ever seen by the doctor who assessed him, a court heard.The troubling mental health history of 20-year-old Wetheral man Harry Vale was outlined as a Carlisle Crown Court judge sentenced him.
Vale had earlier pleaded guilty to subjecting the woman to controlling and coercive behaviour during a seven month relationship which had a detrimental impact on her while they were partners in Penrith.
Defence barrister Kim Whittlestone said Vale's offending happened after his release from hospital and while he was affected by "unsuitable" medication.
“The defendant should never have been in this relationship, given his mental health,” said the barrister.
Earlier in the case, a prosecutor had outlined how Vale’s relationship with the young woman was volatile and involved “heated arguments.” Vale accepted that on some occasions his arguments with the woman, who also had mental health issues, had spilled over into him behaving physically towards her.
The defendant accepted three incidents of violence.
There was an occasion on January 12 when he pushed and struck the woman; a row during which he grabbed her by the neck on September 5, restricting her breathing; and another incident ten days later when he threw a bottle of urine at her.
In a victim statement, the woman spoke of the emotional effect of what happened; how she now struggles to leave the house and suffered sleepless nights.
Miss Whittlestone said the offence came during what was a “real period of crisis” in the defendant’s life.
His health was at one point so poor that he was hospitalised and - despite being released and taking up his studies at college, where he met the young woman - his health had not at that point stabilised, the cour heard.
He was now clearly remorseful, and with psychiatric support he was making good progress, said the barrister.
He now had an insight into his behaviour.
Vale, from Spring Field Close, Wetheral, near Carlisle, now lives with his family, who were supporting him, the court heard.
Recorder Julian Shaw told Vale: “Whatever your difficulties – and they are profound – you are 20 years old, you are intelligent, and you have many of the benefits that so many young offenders appearing in front of me don’t have: you have a loving family, who will support you.” The judge told the defendant: "For someone like you prison would be an extremely unpleasant experience." The judge, who praised the “extremely well-thought-out" probation report about Vale, imposed nine months jail, suspended for two years.
He also imposed a ten year restraining order banning any contact with the victim.
