Peterborough man jailed after 10 years of 'coercive' control of his partner
A controlling partner from Peterborough whose coercive and monitoring behaviour went on for more than 10 years has been jailed.
Police say that Anthony Bernard (49) of Croyland Road, Walton, had installed cameras in the home, went through his partner’s contacts and messages while she slept, and even monitored her smartwatch to find out how far she travelled.
Officers say his behaviour came to light when he emptied his victim’s wardrobe, drove off with her belongings and threatened to burn them in a car in a fit of rage on 11 August this year.
The spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police said that when officers investigated, they uncovered more than a decade of coercive and controlling behaviour.
The spokesperson said: “Bernard installed cameras in and around their home so he could monitor the victim and tried to prevent her from having hobbies and limit her contact with friends.
"He would question her whenever she went out and, while she slept, would go through her phone and scrutinise her contacts and messages.
“Bernard also monitored her smartwatch to check how far she had travelled and how long she had been away from the house.
“If she was out longer than he expected, he would accuse her of cheating.
“When the victim challenged his behaviour, Bernard would become aggressive and verbally abusive.
“He would also punch walls in anger, leaving her frightened.
“His behaviour also included threats to hurt her and, in June last year, he pinned her against a wall and strangled her following an argument.
Bernard was sentenced to two years and three months at Cambridge Crown Court on November 4 after pleading guilty to engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship and intentional strangulation.
He was also handed a restraining order.
DC Isabelle Wilding said: “Bernard subjected his victim to years of controlling behaviour, monitoring her movements, restricting her contact with friends and invading her privacy.
“His behaviour left her frightened and was designed to strip away her independence and control different aspects of her life.
“I hope this sentence gives her some reassurance and sends a clear message that coercive and controlling behaviour is domestic abuse and we will take reports seriously.”