YORKSHIRE MAN DODGES JAIL FOR CONTROLLING AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR
A man described as exhibiting 'Jekyll and Hyde' tendencies exercised control over his girlfriend for a period of four years, sending her persistent text messages and damaging her belongings by ripping the head off her childhood teddy bear.Josh Thompson, aged 32, started the relationship in 2017, but within just two months, his demeanor shifted.
Prosecutor Howard Shaw told Leeds Crown Court that Thompson began to show aggressive behavior towards her, consuming large amounts of alcohol and taking cocaine.
According to the barrister, Thompson became violent with a short temper, with his conduct worsening especially after drinking.
His actions included throwing remote controls and mobile phones, damaging devices, pulling her hair, and assaulting her to the point of causing bruises.
Shaw added that on one occasion, while she was driving him to work early in the morning, he stabbed her hand with a key, cutting her and leaving a scar.
The court was informed that Thompson was controlling regarding her social outings, often reacting violently if she made plans to see friends and sending abusive messages when she was out.
The following day, he would shout, become violent, and sometimes act physically.
The victim, who had a young son from a previous relationship, frequently stayed with her mother to escape Thompson’s volatile behavior.
In August 2020, she asked him to leave, and he responded with abusive messages characterized as 'hot and cold.' Another incident arose when she visited a friend and answered Thompson’s call, during which he claimed to hear male voices belonging to her friend’s brother and father.
His anger flared, and she felt she could not return home, choosing to stay with her mother.
When she eventually returned, Thompson was aggressive, slapped her, and continued to bombard her with messages, demanding to know her location and insisting she send pictures.
The final breakup occurred in August 2021, though they maintained some contact.
In December of that year, Thompson appeared at her house, banging on her window shouting, 'Why are you ignoring me?' He later was found to have damaged her car window with a brick, which led to police involvement.
He was arrested in February 2022 and admitted to criminal damage and sending distressing messages.
He also pleaded guilty to controlling behavior just prior to the trial.
Since his arrest, Thompson had been remanded in custody, serving approximately 14 months.
The court imposed a two-year suspended sentence, taking into account his remorse and the need for him to address his issues, while acknowledging prior convictions for assault and disorder.
Additionally, he was ordered to undertake relationship counseling, pay compensation, and was subject to a restraining order.
A man characterized as having a dual personality—kind one moment and abusive the next—controlled his girlfriend for four years, sending her relentless text messages and even ripping the head off her childhood teddy bear.
Josh Thompson, aged 32, entered into the relationship in 2017, but within two months, his behavior began to change.
Prosecutor Howard Shaw outlined in Leeds Crown Court that Thompson started showing signs of aggression, drinking heavily, and using cocaine.
Shaw explained that Thompson developed violent tendencies, with a quick temper, and his behavior became worse especially after drinking.
This included throwing remote controls and mobile phones, damaging devices, pulling her hair, and assaulting her, leading to bruising.
The court heard that on one occasion she was driving him to work early in the morning when he cut her hand with a key, leaving a scar.
He was also controlling about her social life, reacting violently if she planned to see friends and sending abusive messages when she was out.
The next day, he would often become loud and aggressive.
The woman, who had a young son from a previous relationship, often stayed with her mother to escape Thompson’s outbursts.
In August 2020, she finally asked him to leave, which prompted him to send her abusive, 'hot and cold' messages.
Another incident occurred when she visited a friend; Thompson became angry upon hearing her on the phone, claiming to hear male voices from her friend's family.
He became aggressive, slapped her, and continued to harass her with messages demanding her whereabouts and asking for proof via pictures.
She ended the relationship in August 2021 but continued some communication.
In December of that year, he appeared at her home, shouting and banging on her window, and was later found to have broken her car window with a brick, leading to police intervention.
He was arrested in February 2022 and pleaded guilty to criminal damage and harassment.
He also admitted to controlling behavior before the court trial.
Since then, he was remanded in custody, serving about 14 months.
The court sentenced him to a two-year suspended term, recognizing his remorse and the importance of addressing his issues, while also considering his past convictions for assault and disorderly conduct.
He was ordered to participate in relationship counseling, pay restitution, and stay away from her with a restraining order in place.
