Man jailed for controlling and violent behaviour against partner

A man has been jailed for three years and six months after controlling and violent behaviour towards his partner.

Paul Garvey, 66, of Halsenna, Holmrook, was sentenced today (28th November) at Carlisle Crown Court for offences including coercive and controlling behaviour, two counts of criminal damage, and burglary.

Garvey’s crimes, all committed against one victim, included using violence to control what she wore and limiting her relationships with family and friends.

During a holiday in Scotland, Garvey assaulted the victim and threatened to kill her, prompting her to flee from a moving vehicle and seek help from a member of the public.

The court also heard that Garvey later broke into the victim’s Cumbria home using a crowbar. He smashed cupboards, broke appliances and furniture, and also damaged her car’s windscreen. Among other items, he took a rock from the garden to destroy the toilet.

Garvey was arrested shortly after. A police search later recovered stolen items at his property in Holmrook.

In total, the victim’s home required extensive repairs costing £94,314, which included over £13,000 in damages to her employer’s property.

Garvey has now been issued a restraining order against the victim for 10 years.

“Garvey’s relentless attack on the victim’s home was only part of a wider pattern of abuse, but it speaks clearly to his capacity for aggression and violence," Detective Constable Ben Wright said.

DC Wright urged victims of domestic abuse to come forward and seek help from police: “You will be supported throughout our investigation.”

How to Report Domestic Abuse

If you wish to report abuse, you can visit the Cumbria Police website at How to Report Domestic Abuse .

You can also call 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 in case of an emergency.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

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