A MAN has been jailed for subjecting a woman to eight years of controlling and threatening behaviour.

David Claridge, of Reading Road in Upton, will spend years behind bars after pleading guilty to the coercive control at Reading Crown Court.

Police described the coercive control which included threatening the victim's family if she did not do what he said, as well as various physical attacks.

The force said on May 20, 2020, officers were called to a property in Newbury to reports that a female had been subjected to a assault and a threat to cause criminal damage.

Officers said te victim soon disclosed she had been subjected to around eight years of abused by Claridge.

The court heard this included the 38-year-old attacking the female several times, headbutting her and on one occasion stabbing her with a pen.

Claridge would make the victim take photos while she was shopping to prove where she was, and he would also take food and money from the victim.

The defendant also threatened the victim’s mum as a way to control her. Saying he would burn down her mum’s house and kill her mum’s dog if she did not do what he said.

Investigating officer, PC Niamh Meaney, based at Newbury police station, said: “The victim in this case had their lives controlled in every conceivable way.

“Claridge had violent mood swings and displayed controlling and cowardly behaviour in order to control his victim."

The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of coercive control following the hearing on Wednesday, August 25, and was sentenced to two years and three months in prison.

He was also handed a 15-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim, and he is on allowed to enter the town she lives in or be within 50 meters of the victim.

The police officer added: "I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case for speaking out against her abuser and I hope that the custodial sentence and restraining order placed on Claridge, helps her to move on with her life, without fear.

“Domestic abuse and coercive control are not acceptable in any circumstances and we would say to victims to please report so that we can investigate and bring offenders to justice."

Police urged anyone being abused or controlled by someone to find a way to call police on 101 or if in immediate danger to call 999. Reports can also be made online or via Victim's First on 0300 1234 148 or on a live chat at victims-first.org.uk