A coercive abuser from Peterborough has been jailed after making his girlfriend take pregnancy tests to prove she had been faithful – and threatening to kill her.

Shace Whittlesey, 45, of Swanspool, Ravensthorpe, regularly accused his partner of cheating on him, Cambs Police said.

He would go through her phone apps, which included her personal health information, bank account and social media.

“His abuse, which spanned about two years, came to light on 12 January this year after officers were alerted to Whittlesey being involved in a fight with two men in Wisbech,” a force spokesperson said.

“When they arrived at the scene, it became apparent there had been no fight - but Whittlesey’s partner’s face was covered in bruises, and he was nowhere to be seen.

“She told officers that four days earlier, Whittlesey had attacked her, accusing her of being unfaithful.

“He had also been stopping her from seeing her family and friends and would take her phone away for hours so she couldn’t contact anyone.”

Officers moved the victim to a safe place out of county until they tracked Whittlesey down and arrested him a few days later.

But on 18 January, the victim came back to Cambridgeshire and Whittlesey met up with her. He was arrested for breaching his bail conditions.

In September, Whittlesey was found guilty of threats to kill, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour in an intimate/family relationship, and intentional strangulation. He had previously pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm (ABH).

On Friday (31 October), at Cambridge Crown Court, Whittlesey was sentenced to five years and three months in prison and handed a restraining order.

PC Robyn Mayson, who investigated, said: “Whittlesey behaved despicably as he subjected the victim to his campaign of abuse.

“As well as the physical trauma, his actions have had a significant detrimental impact on her life throughout the relationship.

“I hope the sentence will give the victim some sense of justice as she starts to rebuild her life.”

If you are worried your partner may have an abusive past or have concerns about a friend or loved one’s partner, you can use the Clare's Law scheme. For more information on accessing the scheme, visit the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website.