FORDINGBRIDGE MAN JAILED FOR ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR AND COERCIVE CONTROL
A man identified as Neil James Golding, aged 39 and residing in Fordingbridge, has been sentenced to two years in jail for a series of abusive behaviours against his partner.The Bournemouth Crown Court heard that Golding subjected his partner to repeated physical, verbal, and emotional abuse over a prolonged period.
His offenses included assault by beating, coercive and controlling behaviour, criminal damage, and common assault.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Golding's actions were accompanied by the use of demeaning language intended to belittle, humiliate, and degrade his victim.
Prosecutor Mike Mason detailed incidents where Golding set his partner's dressing gown on fire and hurled insults, such as calling her a “waste of space,” while also describing how she often feared violence, which over time became normalized.
The charges also included an incident on January 27, where Golding assaulted his partner again.
The court noted Golding's history of 12 previous convictions for 37 offenses.
The judge recognised that Golding expressed remorse, acknowledging his responsibility for “cowardly” behaviour and a serious underlying anger management problem.
Despite efforts for rehabilitation, the judge found the severity of the offenses warranted a custodial sentence, which resulted in a two-year jail term and a seven-year restraining order.
Police and victim support officers expressed their commitment to holding offenders accountable and supporting victims of domestic abuse, emphasizing that Golding’s case conveys a clear message about the consequences of such unacceptable behaviour.
