MAIDSTONE MAN JAILED FOR CONTROLLING AND ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
A man named James Dye from Maidstone was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being convicted of engaging in a controlling and coercive relationship, and the court ordered a second charge of intentional strangulation to lie on file.Dye had been subjecting his partner to sustained physical and mental abuse for at least two years.
The abuse reached a peak on May 14 when Dye visited the victim’s home.
When the victim mentioned plans to go out later that day, he became aggressive and assaulted her.
During this incident, the woman used a tablet to call a friend and witnessed Dye with both hands around her neck.
She was able to leave the house but was followed onto a train into Maidstone, where Dye continued to shout abuse and intimidate her.
Police were informed in the subsequent weeks, leading to Dye's arrest on June 25.
An investigation revealed that he controlled many aspects of the victim’s life, including forbidding her from wearing makeup, making demands about her clothing, and blocking her from contacting friends.
Dye pleaded guilty in Maidstone Crown Court and was also given a five-year restraining order.
Detective Constable Josh Barkaway stated, "Dye subjected his victim to repeated psychological and physical abuse, using fear and threats of violence to exert control over almost every aspect of her life.
He made countless phone calls, sent unwanted texts, and screamed verbal abuse almost daily.
This left the victim in constant fear and caused her significant distress and anxiety.
We appreciate her tremendous courage in coming forward, which helped us secure this sentence.
No victim should feel helpless and unable to walk away from such situations.
We urge anyone in similar circumstances to report it and seek help."
