A MAN WHO SUBJECTED HIS PARTNER TO MONTHS OF COERCIVE CONTROL AND SEXUAL ABUSE HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS IN PRISON
Michael Ball, born on 5 October 1994 and residing on Beechwood Crescent in Leigh, was convicted of two counts of rape and one charge of controlling and coercive behaviour.He is also subject to a restraining order designed to protect the victim, and he will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
During a trial held at Bolton Crown Court in September, the jury was informed that from October 2020 to January 2021, Ball exerted complete control over his partner, Jasmin.
He dictated her clothing choices, deeming her outfits inappropriate and insulting her by calling her a ‘slag’.
He also isolated her from her family and friends who had previously expressed concerns about his conduct.
Ball’s manipulative behaviour extended further.
He closely tracked her whereabouts, prevented her from attending social events, and forced her to leave her employment as a carer.
Additionally, he fraudulently took out loans using her name and accessed her bank accounts without permission.
Jasmin was instructed to stay upstairs during parties at their home, with Ball informing guests that she was not available, thus preventing any interaction.
Throughout their relationship, she endured multiple assaults, often suffering bruises from physical abuse.
The court proceedings revealed that the 31-year-old repeatedly strangled her, including a distressing incident where he attempted to choke her using a dressing gown cord.
In January 2021, the abuse intensified into sexual violence.
Jasmin recounted that she had told Ball no when he came upstairs intoxicated and sought sex.
However, she awoke two hours later to find herself being raped.
Fearing retaliation, she felt unable to resist, especially after Ball had previously threatened her life if she reported the abuse to authorities.
On 19 January 2021, police apprehended Ball following the incident, and he denied all allegations during custody.
He was formally charged with five counts of rape, one of control and coercion, and a Section 47 assault.
At court, Ball was found guilty on two counts of raping a victim from Lancashire.
