TAYLOR BLACKLEY SENTENCED IN NEWPORT FOR EXTREME CONTROL AND COERCIVE BEHAVIOUR

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Newport community, 19-year-old Taylor Blackley, formerly residing in Broadmead Park, was handed a substantial custodial sentence after being found guilty of an 'extreme' form of controlling and coercive conduct. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior that Blackley engaged in towards his victim, which included verbal abuse, threats of self-harm or violence, and invasive monitoring of the victim's movements and social interactions.

Blackley's actions extended to actively preventing the victim from seeing family and friends, as well as barring them from attending a family meal, illustrating a clear attempt to isolate and dominate. The case was brought before Cardiff Crown Court in June, where Blackley initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behavior, a plea that was accepted by the prosecution after the evidence was withdrawn by prosecutor Jenny Yeo.

During the trial, it was disclosed that Blackley's conduct was influenced by underlying issues with anger management, which appeared to exacerbate his aggressive tendencies. The presiding judge, Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, described Blackley's behavior as 'very serious' and notably extreme, emphasizing the severity of his actions.

Following the guilty plea, Blackley was sentenced to two years and three months in a young offender institution. The case was adjourned for a Probation Service report, which likely influenced the final sentencing decision. It was also noted that Blackley had spent 189 days on tagged bail, a period that will be counted towards his custodial time.

In addition to his imprisonment, the court imposed a restraining order that will remain in effect for ten years, explicitly prohibiting Blackley from making any contact with the victim. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £140 within three months of his release, serving as a reminder of the serious consequences of his actions in Newport.