YOUNG MUM BRAVELY TELLS OF ABUSE AT HANDS OF CONTROLLING BOYFRIEND
A young mother has courageously shared her experience of a controlling relationship in which her boyfriend, Joshua Turner, exerted dominance over her life, isolated her from her family, and once issued a chilling threat: “That’s where I’ll bury your body if I kill you.” Josephine Bell, 22 years old, describes how during an abusive period, Turner frequently confiscated her phone and threatened to end his life if she attempted to break up with him.She also suffered physical injuries, including bruises, which she was compelled to conceal from her colleagues at her workplace after he forcefully dragged her around their flat in Canterbury by her wrists.
Having come forward after Turner’s conviction for controlling and coercive behaviour, Miss Bell hopes her story encourages others suffering from domestic abuse to seek help.
She recalls feeling fearful most of the time, especially during arguments, and being manipulated into silence when he would hide her phone, leaving her feeling isolated.
Initially, the relationship seemed happy, but warning signs emerged early on.
She mentions that after announcing their relationship on Facebook, an ex-girlfriend warned her about Turner’s anger issues and abusive tendencies.
Over time, his behaviour became increasingly frightening.
Turner, 25, appeared before Folkestone magistrates where prosecutor Victoria Aked detailed his pattern of manipulation and intimidation from May 2022 until February 2023.
She explained he was excessively jealous, accused her of infidelity, and threatened to bar her from seeing her child or end her life if she left him.
On one occasion, near a river, he ominously stated, “That’s where I’ll bury your body if I kill you,” and on another, he forcibly dragged her from the bathroom to the bedroom.
Turner acknowledged guilty pleas to coercive behaviour and assault charges.
His lawyer, Mark Trafford, noted that Turner has autism and that his actions might sometimes be misunderstood.
He also claimed that while Turner does not accept all accusations, he acknowledges fault and has not attempted contact since arrest.
Regarding the February incident, Trafford said Turner did not physically drag her but “manhandled” her.
Miss Bell shared that she was so shocked by the violence that she wore long sleeves to hide her wrist injuries at work the following day.
She admitted she endured months of suffering in silence, fearing disbelief from authorities.
It was only when she told her mother, whose partner informed the police, that help arrived.
Now living with her family, Miss Bell says she feels recovered but continues to be affected by the trauma, experiencing nightmares, panic attacks, and anxiety over threats.
Her young son, accustomed to seeing her with Turner, was confused by his absence.
Expressing relief at her abuser’s conviction, she hopes her case raises awareness about domestic abuse.
She urges others to speak out and seek support, emphasizing that help is available and that no one should feel isolated.
Joshua Turner pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and assault by beating.
Turner is scheduled for sentencing at Margate Magistrates’ Court on October 14.
Support organisations, including Sateda and Rising Sun, commend Miss Bell’s bravery and stress the importance of recognizing various forms of abuse, encouraging victims to trust trusted individuals and seek professional assistance to break free from harmful relationships.
