ESSEX MAN SENTENCED TO 28 DAYS FOR BREACHING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORDER
An Essex man has received only 28 days in prison despite breaking a Domestic Violence Prevention Order (DVPO) and 'posing a risk' to the victim.Wayne Page, 28, of Walnut Tree Way, Colchester, was made the subject of a DVPO on June 28, following a submission by Essex Police, which banned him from attending a particular address for a period of 28 days to protect the victim of his abuse.
Domestic Violence Prevention Orders (DVPO) can be issued if there has been insufficient evidence to charge someone but concerns about the safety of the victims exist.
The orders can require a suspect to leave the premises where the incidents occurred, prevent them from entering the homes of the victims, and stop them from making any further contact with them, along with additional provisions.
The order against Page had been active for two weeks when police received an emergency call from the victim reporting that Page had breached it.
Officers responded swiftly and he was arrested shortly afterward.
Page appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on July 15, where the judge considered fining him up to £5,000 or sentencing him to up to two months in jail.
Despite arguments from lawyers about the risk posed to the victim, he was only given a 28-day sentence.
Detective Superintendent Matt Cornish, Essex Police’s lead on domestic abuse, emphasized the importance of DVPOs, stating, “DVPOs are a really important tool in keeping victims of domestic abuse safe.
It’s one of a number of options available to us to support the safeguarding for those suffering domestic abuse, particularly when there may not be enough evidence to meet the threshold for a charge.” He added, “Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority for us.
We have specialist teams who investigate offences, support victims, and work to break the cycle of domestic abuse.”
