MAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND CONTROLLING OR COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR
Jack Fitzpatrick, aged 26, residing on Stanmer Park Road in Brighton, received a prison sentence totalling 44 months for multiple offences committed during January and February.At Lewes Crown Court, Judge Martin Huseyin sentenced Fitzpatrick for engaging in controlling or coercive conduct towards his former partner, Lucy Brown.
Court proceedings revealed that Fitzpatrick was verbally abusive, restricted Miss Brown’s access to her phone, and exhibited aggressive behaviour towards her.
In January, Fitzpatrick assaulted Miss Brown, causing her to sustain actual bodily harm (ABH).
Additionally, during January and February, he repeatedly visited her residence and made phone calls to her, breaching a restraining order.
He received concurrent sentences: two years for the assault and 14 months for breaching the restraining order.
Detective Inspector Laura Hillier-Diamond, of Brighton and Hove’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit, commented: “Fitzpatrick’s abusive and controlling behaviour had a huge impact on his victim’s life, both physically and psychologically.
“She has shown incredible bravery in supporting this investigation through to prosecution and I hope this custodial sentence brings her some measure of comfort.
“Domestic violence and coercive and controlling behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated and we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.” Following Fitzpatrick’s charging in February, Sussex Police issued a statement: “Detectives in Brighton have charged a man with multiple offenses related to domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour.
“Jack Fitzpatrick is accused of emotionally and physically abusing a woman several times in January and February.
“The victim reported her phone was stolen and damaged, her door and jewellery were vandalized, and Fitzpatrick threatened her with death.
“He also breached a restraining order by making contact with the victim.
“Fitzpatrick was arrested on 10 February and charged with causing ABH, coercive and controlling behaviour, harassment, and two counts of criminal damage.
“He remains in custody ahead of a court hearing scheduled to be confirmed.” At that time, Detective Inspector Hillier-Diamond stated: “Abusive and controlling behaviour devastates lives, and I commend the victim for her bravery in supporting this case.
“As a force we will continue to take all reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously and proactively take steps to safeguard victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We have a dedicated team of domestic abuse investigators who can respond to victims via video calls quickly and discreetly, as well as specialist officers to offer ongoing support to victims.
“Dedicated patrol units also respond to emergency calls reporting domestic abuse.
“If you or anybody you know is a victim of domestic abuse, report it to us via the Sussex Police website, 101 or 999 in an emergency.
“You can also find support and information at Safe Space Sussex.”
