FORMER SWIMMING TEACHER JAILED FOR 15 MONTHS FOR ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR
A former swimming instructor from Buxton has received a 15-month incarceration and a seven-year restraining order following an assault on his ex-partner, which resulted in a broken nose and black eyes.The sentencing took place at Derby Crown Court on February 24.
Since his imprisonment, his ex-partner, Helen Phillips, has shared her experience publicly and has chosen to be named.
She met Goodayle in 2017, and she recalls that controlling and coercive behaviour began early in their relationship, though she didn’t initially recognise it.
The 42-year-old, residing in Fairfield, described her ordeal, stating: “The abuse was horrific, it was both mental and physical and I lost all my sense of self.” She explained that initially, minor incidents occurred, such as her partner demanding to know who she was with during outings, and reacting with rage when she was seen with friends or certain pictures were taken.
Helen also revealed that her daughter was restricted from having male friends.
She added: “He was a man who demanded respect and had to be obeyed.
He got inside my head so much I stopped questioning his behaviour.” Helen admits she cannot recall the first occasion of physical violence, but she confirms the abuse persisted over their four-year relationship.
During her pregnancy with Goodayle’s child, her partner kicked her in the stomach and dragged her by her hair for perceived disrespect.
She recounted him pouring water on her and emptying a vacuum’s contents over her, calling her an embarrassment, and forcing her to shower while she was crying.
Helen also detailed her attempts to hide the extent of the violence, claiming her broken nose and black eyes were from accidents, and she would lie about falling while walking her dog.
She now finds it empowering to tell the truth.
The abusive pattern culminated when Goodayle demanded her older children call him ‘dad,’ and when they refused, he became angry.
She described a distressing incident where he sent her a threatening picture of her son, barred her from entering her home, and she had to force her way inside to rescue her child.
This marked a turning point, helping her find courage to leave.
Since then, Helen has been on a long road of recovery and is beginning to heal through counselling.
She shared her ongoing effort to create positive memories and expressed that her past experiences deeply affected her, especially recalling her time working as a dog walker, where the smell of bleach triggers memories of him returning home in a bad mood.
Vicky Bunnage, CEO of Crossroads, the domestic abuse charity for the High Peak, emphasized confidentiality and noted a significant rise in domestic abuse cases during the pandemic, with current figures still exceeding pre-COVID levels.
She encouraged victims to seek help, asserting there is always hope to escape such circumstances.
Victoria Atherton, a temporary Detective Constable assigned to Buxton, highlighted the damaging effects of Goodayle’s manipulation and violence, pointing out that his victim lived in fear in what should have been a safe space.
She explained the persistent psychological control his victims endure and the challenges in breaking free from such abuse.
Atherton commended Helen’s bravery and urged others in similar situations to seek help, assuring them that police are committed to protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.
Goodayle, 39, of Manchester Road, was sentenced to 15 months and ordered not to contact Helen, with a restraining order lasting seven years.
