PANKAJ BEDI

MAN WHO SUBJECTED HIS WIFE TO CONTROLLING AND ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR, CALLING HER A “B**TCH” AND “PROSTITUTE” SPARED JAIL

A Newcastle man who subjected his wife to controlling and abusive behaviour, calling her a “b**tch” and a “prostitute,” has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Pankaj Bedi, 40, of Mowbray Street, Heaton, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, where he admitted one count of controlling or coercive behaviour.

Prosecutor Andrew Walker told the court that Bedi had been verbally abusive, threatening, and financially demanding throughout the marriage.

The victim said in a statement that he would regularly insult her, accuse her of affairs, and take out a car in her name without consent.

She told the court: “Because of the control I was under, I became more and more isolated and lost connection to the people that were close to me.

It was an act of sheer desperation to escape the situation that destroyed my sense of safety.

”Defending, Christopher Knox said Bedi was “hugely remorseful” and had accepted his wrongdoing.

Judge Stephen Earl told him: “You had no right to dictate what your wife should or shouldn’t do.

It’s to her credit that she finally said ‘stop’ and involved the police.” Bedi was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years.

He was also handed a restraining order, ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity, and perform 150 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Earl concluded “In the nicest possible way, I hope I never see you again.”