MAN JAILED FOR CONTROLLING, ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR AND STALKING PARTNER
A man known for being controlling and abusive observed his partner and assaulted her throughout their relationship, subsequently stalking her after their separation.James Hall, residing on Heritage Rise in Winsford, engaged in an on-and-off relationship with the woman from 2021 to 2022.
According to Cheshire Police, the 32-year-old, formerly of Sandbach, persistently monitored her location and exerted control over who she interacted with and when.
The authorities stated he was physically violent towards her, including grabbing her wrist to seize her phone, kicking her, restraining her forcibly, blocking doorways, and damaging her property.
The victim also reported that he pretended to be her when contacting others and then removed them from her social media accounts.
Hall continued to stalk her after their breakup, making it clear he did not want her to see or communicate with others.
Just before his arrest, he had contacted her 126 times within a two-hour span.
On April 22, at Chester Crown Court, Hall pleaded guilty to charges of assault, controlling and coercive behaviour, and stalking, having previously entered a not-guilty plea.
On May 8, the same court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison and imposed an indefinite restraining order, with Judge Michael Leeming presiding.
Detective Constable Simon Knowles of Cheshire Police commented, “I welcome the custodial sentence given to Hall, who pretended to care while causing her significant distress.
No one should endure what the victim experienced.
We hope this case encourages other victims of stalking and abusive control to come forward.
Cheshire Police treats such allegations very seriously, investigating thoroughly with the victim’s safety and needs as the priority.
Victims should not feel ashamed and will receive support from our specialist officers.”
