JAMES BILLIMORE

A survivor of coercive controlling behavior described feeling as though her life was under complete domination and manipulation.

The perpetrator, James Billimore, aged 34 and from Worcester Park, received a three-year prison sentence along with a decade-long restraining order after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive conduct at Guildford Crown Court on 1st May.

The case was initiated with his admission of guilt during the January trial's opening day.

Throughout the relationship, the victim endured extensive physical, emotional, and financial abuse.

Billimore exerted control over her daily activities and movements, employing violence and intimidation to instill persistent fear.

Evidence included repeated assaults, strangulation, and threats designed to dominate her.

While in the car with Billimore, he often threatened her, stating, “If you don’t listen to me, I’ll crash the car and we will both be dead.” He manipulated her by directing her to various locations and tracked her movements via a phone app.

To conceal the abuse, she hid bruises underneath clothing and felt incapable of seeking help.

She recounted how he took financial control, knowing her paycheck schedule and forcing her to withdraw cash for him, which left her in debt and with no authority over her money.

His behavior grew increasingly unpredictable over time, leaving her in a constant state of fear.

On the day before she gave birth, she suffered bruising from strangulation, which contributed to her going into labor the next morning.

Billimore told her, “You’re not going to hospital like that,” and kept her at home until a friend took her.

Her motivation to escape was largely driven by her child; she felt her son was the only reason she found the strength to leave.

She has talked about how the abuse impacted every aspect of her life but remains resolute about rebuilding her future.

Investigating officer Karis Hooke commented, “This is one of the most serious cases of coercive control and physical abuse we have encountered.

The victim showed incredible bravery in coming forward.

The sentence demonstrates that all forms of domestic abuse will be firmly pursued and prosecuted.”