MAN WHO ABUSED WOMAN AND TEENAGER FOR YEARS IS FINALLY JAILED
A man from Whitstable has received a prison sentence after he engaged in a campaign of abuse directed at a woman and a teenage girl.John Richards, aged 48, exerted control over the woman's life, frequently engaging in harmful and degrading actions.
His intimidating behaviour was so severe that she refrained from reporting him to police for several years.
Richards dictated how she should behave, whom to communicate with, and insisted she distance herself from her family for an extended period.
The woman recounted that Richards' conduct worsened when he consumed alcohol, leaving her to live in constant fear and trying to anticipate his reactions to everyday situations.
In a notable incident, she prepared his dinner, leaving it in the oven to warm, but when he returned home, he claimed it was too dry and responded by hitting her in the face with the meal.
In addition to his treatment of her, Richards also targeted a teenage girl, leaving threatening messages and making threats against a family member.
The victims reported their experiences to Kent Police in 2022.
Detective Constable Jess Meadway, who led the investigation, commented: "Both victims in this case have been incredibly brave to come forward and we know how hard it is to take that step.
This abuse has had a profound effect on them but hopefully, they can start to rebuild their lives." "Thankfully we now have the power to protect people who are subjected to threats, humiliation and intimidation as well as physical abuse.
Any reports made will be investigated in a sensitive way and I would encourage anyone who is suffering to speak to us and we will do all we can to safeguard you and ensure justice is served." Richards was detained in September 2022, charged, and admitted guilt to two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour alongside actual bodily harm.
On June 13 at Canterbury Crown Court, he was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.
