'JEALOUS' AND CONTROLLING MAN COVERED EX'S FACE WITH PILLOW DURING VIOLENT ATTACK
A JEALOUS and controlling man has been sentenced for twice assaulting his ex-girlfriend at her home address.Prosecuting the case on October 9, Lee Dacre said: The defendant showed signs of jealously and controlling behaviour.
He accused her of being with other men whilst she was out with her friends and would video call her to check who she was with.
He used a tracking app to check to see her location and turned off the location service on her mobile phone when they stayed at a hotel in Manchester.
The court heard the 25-year-old defendant was at her home address in Ulverston on August 19 when he covered the victims mouth with his hand whilst holding a pillow against her face and told her to shut up.
He then dragged her out of the bedroom by her hair, threatened to stab her dog and threw a number of items at her including her mobile phone which smashed as well as cups at the ceiling.
The prosecution said the catalyst for the assault taking place was the complainant challenging him on why he added her friends boyfriend to her friends list on WhatsApp.
Ellis was arrested two days later for a separate incident not related to his ex-girlfriend.
He was granted bail with a condition not to enter Ulverston.
Mr Dacre said the 25-year-old defendant breached his bail conditions when he returned to the area on August 24.
It came after the complainant had asked Ellis to stay away for a couple of nights because she needed some breathing space.
The court heard the defendant became âaggressiveâ the following day.
Mr Dacre said he started shouting at the victim when she responded to a friend on Snapchat saying âI do not know if Iâm okâ.
The defendant said âif you loved me you wouldnât say thatâ.
He then pushed her in the bedroom and threw her laptop against the wall, which broke.
In her victim impact statement, she said: âI was relieved when he went into custody, but Iâm scared what he will do when he gets out.
I canât trust anyone anymoreâ.
The court was told the actions had increased her anxiety and caused her to have panic attacks.
Ellis, who appeared in court via a video link from HMP Preston, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating and a further two offences of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.
In defence, Karen Templeton said: âHe is a young man who is very intelligent.
He has a lot to offer if he can sort himself out.
He can make something of himself if he turns his life around.
âHis childhood was horrendous and there were a lot of problems.
This has had a knock-on effect.
He has served the equivalent of a six-week sentence already in custody.
He is motivated to change and has a lot of potential.â Magistrates deliberated for around 20 minutes before suspending a 20-week custodial sentence for 18 months with requirements to complete 10 RAR days and the building choices program.
Before passing the sentence, chair of the bench Chris Harris told Ellis: âYou are a personable young man and have a lot to offer.
However, you have an anger problem.
âYou are now at a crossroads in your life.
Do not think we have taken the soft option on you today.
The choice is yours now.
You have an opportunity, take it.â
