SIMEON HARRY

A man has been convicted and sentenced for engaging in coercive and controlling conduct, with the case heard at Hove Crown Court.

Simeon Harry, aged 35 and formerly of Trafalgar Close, Peacehaven, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison and was given an indefinite restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim in the future.

Sussex Police reported that Harry also made threats against his victim.

They responded to reports of a disturbance at a Peacehaven address on Friday, September 2, 2022.

The woman involved, aged 22, recounted to officers that Harry had fled the scene after the incident.

Further investigation revealed that Harry’s pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour had persisted for 18 months.

She described how Harry restricted her freedom to go out alone and isolated her from her social networks, expressing fear of his behaviour, especially after she became pregnant.

Following police inquiries, Harry was detained.

He was recalled to prison for violating license conditions that prohibited contact with the victim.

Charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and with threatening her with a knife in private, Harry pleaded guilty.

He was sentenced on Thursday, March 30, to 42 months of imprisonment at Hove Crown Court.

An indefinite restraining order was issued against him, barring any further contact with the victim.

Michelle Mitham of the Safeguarding Investigations Unit commended the victim’s bravery in reporting the abuse, noting the significant courage involved in such cases of long-term control.

She emphasized that coercive and controlling behaviour is a form of domestic abuse that severely impacts victims and their circles.

The police force remains dedicated to fighting violence against women and girls, bringing offenders to justice, and safeguarding those affected.