‘Nasty piece of work’ aged 43 is told to grow up after attack on former girlfriend

A DERBY man who abused his girlfriend was told he needs to “grow up” before walking free from court.

Daniel Varey dominated and controlled the life of his girlfriend from 2018 until their relationship came to an end in 2020.

The 43-year-old’s behaviour ranged from controlling what his victim was allowed to watch on TV to punching her. He tainted her relationship with family members, with his behaviour becoming worse after consuming alcohol and cannabis while the pair were living in Swadlincote.

This culminated with an incident where Varey, now of Kingsley Street, Sinfin, punched his victim a number of times, and kicked her in the chest.

Chris Jeyes, prosecuting, told Derby

Crown Court following this attack the woman was left with “very extensive bruising” and she subsequently called the police.

“In custody he [Varey] made numerous allegations against her that she had instigated it,” he said.

He added that the defendant referred to the woman as “it” when speaking to the police, saying “it came in that state” when he found her.

Mr Jeyes said since the incident the victim has been diagnosed with PTSD and suffers flashbacks.

“She says she thought she was a strong woman but this has taken a toll in her life”.

Varey was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, pleading guilty in the lead up to his trial. Judge Shaun Smith, sentencing Varey at the court, him it was time for him to “grow up”. “This is a serious matter,” he said. “The reason I’m suspending [the sentence] it is because it’s 16 months [since the offence] and he’s not got into trouble since then. I think this is his opportunity, if he doesn’t take this he’s going to be in and out of prison all his life.

“When you are in drink, probably more the drinking than the cannabis, you are a nasty piece of work, there’s no doubt about that. You are 43 years old and you really ought to be growing up.”

He added that Varey had been very “candid” about his problems with alcohol when speaking to the probation service and he had previously stayed out of trouble when given help with his alcohol use.

Judge Smith said it was apparent the behaviour had not taken place day-in, day-out during the relationship as happens in some other cases.

He sentenced Varey to two years’ jail, suspended for two years, and gave him a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly. He also told him to undertake 30 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions, as well as an alcohol treatment course.

When you are in drink, you are a nasty piece of work, there’s no doubt about that.

Judge Shaun Smith