Man jailed for assault and controlling and coercive behaviour

A Newton-le-Willows man has been jailed for four years and seven months for controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.

Martin Speakman subjected his victim to years of physical, emotional and financial abuse and intimidation.

His behaviour including preventing her leaving her home, physically assaulting her and spreading lies to family and friends.

He also controlled the use of her phone and monitored her activity, verbally abused her and demeaned her in front of her children, controlled all of her bank accounts and money, stopped her buying any luxuries for herself, took her to work with him, and stopped her seeing any of her family.

Speakman, 37, of Queens Drive, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 19 September where he was sentenced to four years and seven months in prison.

He was also given an indefinite restraining order.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer said: “The sentencing of Speakman sends a strong message that coercive and controlling behaviour will simply not be tolerated and that there is help available for anyone who may be suffering.

"Coercive and controlling behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used by the abuser to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. It often results in victims becoming isolated from their friends and families. Offenders may control who they see and where they go, how much money they spend or even monitor their online activity and often humiliate or degrade them.

“I would like to emphasise that there is plenty of help available to anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse of any kind and together with partner agencies, we will do all that we can to support you, if you can find the courage to come forward.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion. Likewise, I would ask everyone to look out for your family members, friends or neighbours that may be suffering, as by contacting us you could be helping someone who is too afraid to help themselves. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.”