CONTROLLING WIFE FROM HERNE BAY SUBJECTED HUSBAND TO FIVE YEARS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
A woman whose husband told police he no longer wanted to live due to her controlling and violent behaviour has been spared jail.Joanna Dockrell appeared upset and anxious at her sentencing hearing for offences committed during what was described as a 'toxic' relationship with Oliver Dockrell.
The 38-year-old from Herne Bay was arrested last year after an incident in which she caused scratches to his hand while trying to grab his phone.
It was also alleged by the prosecution that over five years she had subjected Mr Dockrell to behaviour which caused him serious alarm or distress and included looking through his phone, controlling finances, regularly accusing him of cheating, and using threats and physical abuse.
Although Dockrell later pleaded guilty — and accepted that she had also raised her fist to him in an aggressive manner, pinched and pushed him during arguments, and did not like him talking to other women — she maintained her offending was limited.
The court was told her basis of plea was accepted by the prosecution, and Judge Simon Taylor KC assured Dockrell her offending was 'much less serious' than originally alleged, so she would not be sent to prison.
She pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour between January 2019 and February 2024, and common assault on July 9 last year.
The judge imposed a 12-month community order with 30 rehabilitation activity requirements, acknowledging she had psychological issues and had suffered domestic abuse from previous partners.
A restraining order was also issued for five years.
The victim, her husband, who supported and helped him to process the abuse endured, stated he felt 'really bad' with thoughts of 'not wanting to be alive' and expressed fear of Joanna.
Her victim further described the extent of injury as 'a scratch that drew blood'.
