CONTROLLING PARTNER ISOLATED WOMAN FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS BY BULLYING BEHAVIOUR
Michael Palmer has walked free from court, despite forcing his girlfriend to return home if she stayed out for too long.The 32-year-old appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court to face a charge of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.
He pleaded guilty to the offence at a previous hearing, with sentencing adjourned until recently for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Robert Earl, prosecuting, told the court that the behaviour spanned a period of around 10 months, from the end of July 2022 to the start of June 2023.
During this time, Palmer repeatedly and continuously engaged in controlling and coercive conduct, which involved putting the victim in fear of repercussions if she reported his actions to the police.
He controlled her movements, forcing her to return home if she spent too long out or was with people he disliked.
Additionally, he removed her car keys and phone charger to prevent her from seeing family or friends.
The court was told that Palmer became annoyed or argumentative if the victim wanted to go out, causing her to stay within her address or street.
Magistrates indicated that the behaviour crossed the custody threshold due to its prolonged period and threats of violence.
However, owing to his guilty plea and a Probation Service assessment deeming him a ‘realistic prospect for rehabilitation’, he was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.
During this time, he must complete a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and undertake 35 days of rehabilitative activities.
A three-year restraining order was also imposed, preventing him from approaching or contacting four named individuals and entering a specified Warrington street.
Court costs of £650 and a victim surcharge of £154 were ordered, with approval for the deductions to come from his benefits.
