WIRRAL MAN JAILED FOR CONTROLLING, VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR AND PROPERTY DESTRUCTION
Roy Croft, a 47-year-old man from Delta Road West in Rock Ferry, was convicted of multiple violent and abusive actions during a short relationship with his former partner.During their year-long association, he exhibited controlling, aggressive, and possessive behaviour, which escalated into physical violence and extensive property damage.
Court reports detailed an incident in May 2024, when Croft, while on holiday in Tenerife, grabbed the woman by her neck and held her down on a hotel bed, causing her to hyperventilate and struggle to breathe before she fled the scene.
Their relationship ended soon after due to his increasing verbal and physical abuse.
Subsequently, Croft arrived at her home with flowers and sweets, which turned threatening when he refused to leave and accused her of cheating, leading to injury and damage to her property.
He returned a day later and forcibly entered her home, dragging her out of her bedroom and causing bruising.
He also caused over £20,000 worth of destruction to her property, including graffiti and damage to the kitchen, mirrors, electronics, and furniture.
Despite a non-molestation order, Croft continued to pursue her, including visits to her gym in Bromborough where he approached her multiple times.
Croft has a significant criminal history with six previous convictions for 22 offences dating back to 1999, including assault, property destruction, harassment, threats to kill, and resisting arrest.
During sentencing, the judge remarked on the prolonged suffering inflicted on the victim and her children, noting Croft's troubled background and denial of full responsibility.
He was sentenced to 30 months in prison and was given a restraining order barring him from contacting his former partner.
