UPMINSTER MAN JAILED FOR ABUSING PARTNER AND DRIVING HER TO SUICIDE
A 31-year-old man named Steven Gane from Gadsden Close, Upminster, has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison for his involvement in the abuse—both physical and psychological—of his girlfriend, Kellie Sutton.Sutton, a mother of three from Welwyn Garden City, took her own life as a result of the abuse she suffered.
Gane was convicted at St Albans Crown Court on charges including controlling and coercive behavior, as well as actual bodily harm and assault causing injury.
The court heard how his abusive actions severely impacted Sutton’s mental health, with the judge commenting: "Your behaviour led Kellie Sutton to hang herself that morning.
You physically assaulted her, broke her spirit, and wore her down." Gane was found not guilty of a second assault charge.
The court proceedings revealed that Sutton, who was 30, had transformed from an outgoing woman to someone plagued by anxiety and withdrawal after their relationship began in March 2017.
Evidence included incidents where Gane lost his temper and made inappropriate jokes about her death; police reports indicated she was hospitalized for head wounds inflicted during violent episodes.
The judge highlighted that Gane’s conduct was the direct cause of her suicide, illustrating the damaging effects of an abusive relationship.
A Criminal Behaviour Order was also issued banning Gane from engaging in relationships exceeding 14 days without police notification.
This case exemplifies the enforcement of legislation enacted in 2015 aimed at tackling coercive control and ongoing abuse, emphasizing its serious impact on victims.
