Gloucester man given suspended sentence for years of coercive and controlling behaviour
Court hears woman and her children lived in fear at home
A 54-year-old man from Gloucester has been given a suspended prison sentence for coercive and controlling behaviour against his former partner.
Darren Kingscott, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday 29th October by Recorder Richard Mawhinney.
He was given 20 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
He was also given a five-year restraining order in relation to the woman, Tashya, and her children.
Gloucestershire Police said the victim told the court she "lived in constant fear of what might happen next".
What the court heard
The court heard Kingscott repeatedly engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour between December 2015 and April 2024.
Police said it had a serious impact on the victims.
It included causing Tashya and her children to fear violence at home through threats, derogatory and humiliating name-calling, and frequently causing them alarm and distress.
On one occasion Kingscott threw a chair, which damaged the home, and threatened violence with his fists and a bottle.
The court heard the behaviour had a substantial impact on the victims' daily lives, including them isolating in their bedrooms.
Tashya noticed soon after the relationship began that Kingscott became angry when he had been drinking alcohol.
The court heard he had a particular routine, such as not letting the family watch television at certain times, and would become angry and abusive.
Tashya's children helped her leave the family home, and they all moved to another address as a place of refuge.
Victim's statement
Tashya's statement was read to the court.
She said the fear in the home also affected the family dog.
She said: "The dog became constantly protective of me. Instead of being able to live a normal and happy life, it appeared to be constantly alert and focused on protecting me."
She also said: "I never imagined that my life would become one of fear."
She said: "For a long period of time, I lived in constant fear of what might happen next. I became used to watching what I said, what I did and how I behaved in an attempt to prevent situations from escalating."
She said: "I was not living a normal life, I was surviving."
The court heard that since the abuse ended, Tashya continues to suffer with anxiety and nightmares, and she had to leave her job.
She said: "Coercive control changed the way I lived and the way I thought. I learned to anticipate danger. I learned to be careful. I learned to live with fear. Even now, part of me remains on high alert."
After the sentencing, Tashya said: "I continued with court so that my voice and my children's voices were heard, and I want other victims to seek support and find their voices."
The sentence
Kingscott was charged with one count of coercive and controlling behaviour following a Gloucestershire Police investigation.
He was found guilty on 2nd October after a three-day trial at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court.
The case was then sent to Gloucester Crown Court for sentencing.
The court heard from Kingscott's defence barrister that he had a problem with drinking at the time and is a working man who has moved on.
The judge said he had to take into account references from Kingscott's employer, apprentice and family.
He said there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, and that a pre-sentence report showed Kingscott did not present a high risk of reoffending.
As well as the suspended sentence, Kingscott was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and a 120-day alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement.
He was also ordered to pay £705 in court costs and a £100 victim surcharge.
Police response
Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher, Gloucestershire Constabulary's domestic abuse lead, said: "Coercive and controlling behaviour can often span a prolonged period of time with a victim/survivor being subjected to multiple forms of abuse.
"This can range from someone being made to feel isolated from their family and friends, not having control over their finances or feeling like they have to change their routine or habit.
"Ultimately they may feel like they have no control over their day-to-day life and could be living in fear on a daily basis.
"I do not underestimate how hard it must be to report this type of offending to the police, and to feel safe enough to leave an abusive partner.
"We want people to know there are options available to those who may feel like they are living in a similar situation. If you're not sure if you want to speak to the police yet, you can seek support from a partner agency first."
Where to get help
Police said domestic abuse is not solely physical harm.
It covers a range of behaviours including violent or threatening behaviour, coercive control, economic abuse, and psychological and emotional abuse.
Anyone who needs professional support can contact the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service on 01452 726 570 or by email at [email protected] .
To report domestic abuse, call police on 101. In an emergency, or if it is ongoing, always call 999.
Under Clare's Law, anyone can ask police whether their partner may pose a risk to them.
People can also make an enquiry about the partner of a close friend or family member.
More information is available on the Gloucestershire Police website.