Legal first as man is jailed for coercive behaviour

A CONTROLLING boyfriend who forced his pregnant girlfriend to sleep on the street has been jailed for 18 months for “aggressive and manipulative” behaviour in a legal precedent.

The case is the first time in the UK that the crime of coercive and controlling behaviour has led to a jail sentence without the need for a victim statement or involvement from an already vulnerable and terrified victim.

Steven Saunders, 31, of no fixed address, manipulated his partner to such an extent that he removed her from supported accommodation and forced her to live on the streets while he would withhold her bank card, spend her benefits and force her to shoplift.

He was finally brought to justice when medical professionals, including the woman’s midwife, told police.

Guildford Crown Court heard that Saunders would not want her to be seen by any professionals alone and displayed aggressive jealousy regarding the couple’s unborn child. These incidents evidenced his controlling behaviour and the fear she disclosed to the professionals, which meant that charges could be brought against him without involving the victim.

Detective Constable Seb Valentine, of Surrey Police, who led the investigation, said: “Saunders was placing his vulnerable partner and unborn child in great danger. Securing a conviction on hearsay evidence is unusual, and this is the first example of it for this crime. The victim has now been relocated and is determined to rebuild her life.”

David Munro, the police and crime commissioner said: “This case sends out a clear message to those who believe they can use control and fear to silence their partners – that there is no longer any hiding place for those that perpetrate domestic abuse.”