PAIGNTON MAN GIVEN SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR CONTROLLING AND COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR
Ryan Shepherd, aged 26 and residing on Mimosa Way in Paignton, repeatedly physically assaulted a woman who was terrified of him and issued threats to kill her during their six-month relationship, during which he exerted complete control over her life.Shepherd pleaded guilty to charges of controlling and coercive behavior and was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years, by Judge Peter Johnson.
Additionally, a permanent restraining order was issued to prohibit any further contact with the victim.
The judge stated: "You had a six-month relationship with a colleague at the ambulance service, during which you made threats to kill her in explicit terms that are likely to stay with her forever.
You called the relationship toxic, but all the poisonous behavior emanated from you.
There were threats, acts of violence, and attempts to dominate her.
On one occasion, you sent her 54 messages filled with incessant demands, wanting to know her whereabouts and activities." The judge further described an incident where Shepherd broke her wrist during a final assault, during which he threw her to the ground and throttled her, resulting in bruises and scratches on her arm.
Miss Cassel mentioned that the woman described her life as feeling not her own, citing that she felt heavily controlled by Shepherd's anger and violence.
She had to justify her whereabouts and company, and she still experiences flashbacks and intense fear whenever she sees a car similar to his.
After they separated, she entered another abusive relationship during which her new partner was assaulted five times.
