ABUSIVE MAN LIVED 'DOUBLE LIFE' WITH TWO PARTNERS
A man described as ‘jealous and insecure’ exercised control over his girlfriend despite maintaining a secret second relationship, a court was told.Joshua Bartlett, aged 26 and residing on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth, was characterised as ‘nasty and aggressive’ towards his former partner.
He reportedly confined her movements, isolated her socially, and used derogatory language.
During proceedings at Southampton Crown Court, prosecutor Martyn Booth explained that Bartlett and the woman began dating in November 2024 after meeting through social media platforms.
Initially, their five-month relationship appeared normal, but it soon became apparent that Bartlett exhibited controlling conduct.
His behaviour turned abusive, violent, and manipulative.
Mr Booth highlighted that the core issue was Bartlett’s manifest jealousy and insecurity.
The defendant accused the woman of having previously engaged in sex with a member of her friend circle and even threatened physical harm toward him.
According to Mr Booth, Bartlett reacted irrationally when the woman attempted to meet others, becoming progressively more controlling.
It was also revealed that Bartlett was leading a double life, with another partner who was expecting his child.
In February, the victim was compelled to cut short a cruise with her mother due to threats from Bartlett to commit suicide.
This act was described as blatant emotional blackmail by Mr Booth.
Towards the end of their relationship, on April 8, Bartlett threatened to slit her throat and serve time in prison.
Instances of violence included smashing a takeaway cup on her head, threatening her physically, and forcibly removing her from a car.
Ultimately, her family contacted police and staged an intervention to rescue her from the abusive situation.
In her victim impact statement, she expressed how deeply the relationship had affected her.
“I do not know how I will trust someone again,” she stated.
Mitigating the case, solicitor Alexandra Khan mentioned Bartlett’s struggles with mental health issues including ADHD, PTSD, and depression.
She emphasised his difficult background but noted his commitment to rehabilitation.
Judge Gary Lucie acknowledged the current full capacity of prisons and the Court of Appeal’s guidance to consider suspension of sentences in certain cases.
He sentenced Bartlett to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete 40 days of rehabilitative activities.
He was also given a restraining order from the victim for five years.
