OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR CONTROLLING AND VIOLENT ABUSE
A man who was described as a “Jekyll and Hyde character” by his former partner has been sent to prison for his controlling behaviour.Nathan Nurton, 36, left bruises on the victim which were consistent with hard blows to her upper body and told her to cover it with makeup.
Nurton, of no fixed abode, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday (September 11) after pleading guilty to engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour.
The prosecution told the court that Nurton and the victim had been in a short-lived relationship which began around January this year.
Very soon, the relationship turned to violence and abuse and the victim described Nurton as being a “Jekyll and Hyde character” where he was nice one moment and then turned the next.
It was heard that Nurton would punch her, slap her and force her to stay on video calls with him.
He also demanded access to her phone and would delete her social media apps.
On occasion, he smashed her phone and damaged her van by punching it.
When the victim called the police, Nurton was arrested and then after he was released, the same incidents happened again and he was arrested again.
The prosecution said at the time that police could see injuries on the victim but she said she didn’t want to make a statement as she was worried Nurton would kill her.
In police interview, Nurton gave no comment answers and he was bailed.
However, he made his way back to the victim and he was arrested again the following day and made no comment again in interview.
A victim impact statement read out in court said the incident has left the victim feeling “upset and emotional”.
Defending Nurton, Hans Dieter Kehler said Nurton expresses remorse for his action and accepts that when he finds a relationship that is supportive, “he clings onto it and doesn’t want to lose it”.
Mr Kehler told the court that Nurton said his behaviour was to ensure he could hold onto the relationship but he just approached it completely in the incorrect way.
In sentencing Nurton, Judge James Adkin told Nurton his offending was of “bullying, violence and intimidation” towards his partner, which continued despite the involvement of the police.
He was also subject to a domestic violence protection order and offended while on police bail.
Judge Adkin sentenced Nurton to 22 months imprisonment and made him subject to a restraining order for five years.
