RICHARD HAYLES

Richard Hayles, a former professional boxer, has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to a campaign of emotional abuse against his ex-partner.

On the second day of his trial at Sheffield Crown Court, the 46-year-old admitted to coercive and controlling behavior.

His former partner testified that he, who was from Sheffield and lived most recently in Rochdale’s Greenview Drive, left her in debt and mentally harmed her through insults, threats, and lengthy lectures about "how to be a woman." Addressing Hayles in court, she recounted how he wielded control over her life, including the smallest decisions, convincing her that this was the norm for women.

Alongside his prison sentence, Hayles will face a 10-year restraining order.

A prosecutor, Katherine White, explained that during their 18-month relationship, Hayles frequently described her as "emotionally unstable" and "hormonally imbalanced." When she challenged him, he called her "masculine." Ms White also highlighted that Hayles made degrading comments, calling her "damaged" and "only good for sex," and suggesting that no one would want a woman with three children.

The court heard that Hayles had left his partner, who was 38 at the time, in significant debt, resulting in her losing property in Rotherham.

She expressed fears for her safety, stating she felt threatened on multiple occasions.

He had used veiled threats referencing his legal past and potential witnesses, asking if she wanted to "go down that route." Hayles was described as the controller of the household, making decisions on meals, drinks, and sleep arrangements.

He also subjected his partner to emotional abuse involving watching videos from Kevin Samuels and, at one point, making a child listen to Andrew Tate, verbally abusing the child, and threatening to shoot them.

The child reported creating a secret method of communication with their mother during these episodes.

A statement read out in court from the woman said: "We lost our home.

You took over my mind and silenced me, but the greatest loss was our children’s happiness and peace.

I wonder if you regret your actions.

Only a monster would fake love while secretly causing harm." She described the emotional toll as one of humiliation, guilt, isolation, and loss of self-worth, describing a "dead look" in the eyes and feeling stripped of willpower.

Her comments to Hayles emphasized the lessons learned: "Who not to be, how not to act, what not to accept." She voiced optimism that they now have peace and a brighter future.

The judge, Jeremy Richardson KC, highlighted that Hayles’s sentence does not focus on his views about masculinity, but affirmed the gravity of the case.

He told Hayles: "You engaged in a series of cruel acts over time, attempting to dominate a young woman with children.

Your behaviour was persistent and intended to belittle her and one of her children."