MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER ‘HORRIFIC’ ABUSE OF WIFE
A man from Eltham has received a suspended sentence after committing a severe series of abusive acts against his then wife over a seven month period marked by increasing violence.Reice Bennett, also known as Reice Taylor, appeared at the Old Bailey on November 28 to face sentencing for charges including coercive and controlling behaviour, causing actual bodily harm through assault, making threats to kill, and deliberate strangulation.
The presiding judge, Recorder Timothy Corner KC, described Bennett’s conduct from July 2022 to February 2023 as a "horrific campaign of abuse." The court was told that the 27-year-old repeatedly strangled his wife, Eloise, to the point where her vision blacked out, struck her with a leather belt, threw a beer can at her, punched her in the face, and kicked her, resulting in bruises on her buttocks.
Mrs Bennett did not appear in court but had previously submitted photographs showing injuries, including shoulder bruising and damage around her eye.
The judge remarked that Bennett called her lazy and fat, then began destroying property around her.
Evidence revealed Bennett’s controlling behaviour included demanding she return when out with friends, forcing her to stand in corners for extended periods, limiting her contact with family, and controlling her finances.
The court also heard he compelled his wife to pay £300 as compensation after he accused her of waking him up improperly.
The judge highlighted that many instances of violence started because Mrs Bennett prepared chicken fajitas for dinner.
On the charge of assault causing bodily harm, he stated that Bennett’s violence was persistent, including a January 2023 incident where he kicked her multiple times and threw her to the ground.
When she tried to protect herself, Bennett warned her to move her hand to avoid worsening the injury.
Regarding threats, the court heard he had texted her saying, "I will kill you now," and police confirmed he often made such threats.
The emotional impact on Mrs Bennett was described as devastating, with her expressing fear that future relationships might be threatened or that her partner might have a hidden agenda.
Defense lawyer Mr Harris argued that Bennett’s difficult upbringing, involving significant abuse and instability, constituted "exceptional circumstances," and that Bennett had shown a genuine desire to better himself.
He noted that Bennett had committed to various positive changes, such as stable employment, mentoring through his church, cutting down on alcohol, and building a stable relationship with his current partner and her children, who regard him as a father figure.
A probation report concluded that Bennett posed a low risk to the general public but a medium risk to future partners and their children.
The judge acknowledged Bennett’s efforts to reform but also took into account the delay in proceedings arrested in February 2023, with charges not being filed until June 2025 as a factor showing his efforts to change.
While noting that the prolonged period before sentencing could impact Bennett’s well-being, the judge emphasised that his past conduct over two years was serious enough to warrant a suspended sentence.
Bennett was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 26 rehabilitation sessions over the next 18 months.
Additionally, a five-year restraining order was issued to protect Mrs Bennett and her children, and Bennett was ordered to pay £150 in court costs within 28 days.
