FERNDOWN MAN JAILED FOR MONTHS OF COERCIVE AND CONTROLLING ABUSE
A man named Terry O’Shaughnassy, aged 34, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court for controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner.
The court heard that O’Shaughnassy subjected the woman to months of abuse, including assaulting her and forcing her to lie about her injuries to medical professionals.
He monitored her social media use, used derogatory language, and took her car to prevent her from leaving apart from walking distances.
During their relationship, O’Shaughnassy repeatedly harassed her after they ended the relationship, including sending abusive messages and logging into her Facebook account without permission.
The victim described feeling "trapped," "lost," and "completely isolated," and told police she felt "lucky to still be alive." The court highlighted the misogynistic nature of his actions, with the judge stating that such conduct was "misogynistic." The defendant pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and was also sentenced additionally for breach of a suspended sentence.
The judge issued an indefinite restraining order, and O’Shaughnassy was also convicted of additional motoring offences.
He was previously detained for an unrelated matter in January.
The court emphasized the severity of his actions, noting he is a father of two and had previous convictions.
The sentence was reduced by 25% due to his guilty plea.
The case underscored the importance of addressing coercive control, and Dorset Police provided information on how to recognize such abusive behaviour.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
A man named Terry O'Shaughnassy, aged 34, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court for controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner. The court heard that O'Shaughnassy subjected the woman...
Prison sentence
two years and eight months
A man named Terry O'Shaughnassy, aged 34, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court for controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner
Suspended sentence
The victim described feeling "trapped," "lost," and "completely isolated," and told police she felt "lucky to still be alive." The court highlighted the misogynistic nature of his actions, with the judge stating that such conduct was "misogynistic." The defendant pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and was also sentenced additionally for breach of a suspended sentence
Court order
The judge issued an indefinite restraining order, and O'Shaughnassy was also convicted of additional motoring offences
