‘Controlling’ Telford man is given 10-year order
A former Telford man who “manipulated and controlled” his ex-partner to the point where she said she “wanted to die” has been given a 10-year restraining order.
Christopher Clare bullied and intimidated his victim, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.
Mr Nigel Stelling, prosecuting, said the 33-year-old deleted many of her friends and family members from her Facebook account.
Mr Stelling said Clare would buy her presents and tell her to “keep her mouth shut”, but the victim confided in her mother last year.
Clare was arrested and released on police bail with a condition not to contact the victim, but the court was told he breached this condition.
Mr Stelling said his victim had been “vulnerable” and “naive” and Clare had taken advantage of her.
Speaking to the court, the victim said: “He manipulated me and controlled me to the point I wanted to die.
“I felt like I had to obey him no matter what because that’s what he told me to do.”
She said she self-harmed and became depressed.
Clare now lives near Cambridge, but was living at Grinshill Flats, Wellington, at the time.
He admitted one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between September 2016 and July 2017.
Miss Debra White, representing Clare, said he had no previous convictions.
She said it had been an “immature” relationship and there had been elements of jealousy within the relationship.
Sentencing Clare, Judge Peter Barrie said: “She was young, naive, inexperienced and vulnerable. The court was told that after his arrest, Clare had spent a period of time remanded in custody or wearing an electronic tag.
Judge Barrie handed Clare a two-year community order, with a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement and he will have to complete the building better relationships programme.
Clare was also given a 10-year restraining order, forbidding him to have any contact with the victim.
