Man jailed for coercive control and violence against ex-partner near Peterborough
Leonard Evans strangled and repeatedly punched the victim during the relationship
Last updated 14th Oct 2026
A man who subjected his ex-partner to a prolonged campaign of abuse, threats and coercive control has been jailed.
35-year-old Leonard Evans entered into a relationship with the victim in November 2024 and soon began showing signs of controlling behaviour, according to police.
He insisted their relationship be made public on social media and became angry when she refused, on the grounds they'd only known each other a week, police said.
Evans went on to control other areas of her life, including monitoring her phone, deleting male contacts, dictating aspects of her appearance and regularly accusing her of cheating, the force said.
He bombarded the victim with phone calls from prison when he was remanded following a conviction for affray before the pair had met, and made her feel like she couldn't leave the house or socialise, police said.
In February 2025, after his release from prison, Evans punched and strangled the victim until she couldn't see, after accusing her of cheating, according to the force.
In another incident, he pulled her hair and rammed her head into a wall.
He also made numerous threats throughout the relationship, including threats to burn down her house and her friend's house, police said.
In July this year, he repeatedly verbally abused the victim during a day out and punched her in the head while she was driving, the force said.
Evans, of Richardson Way, Whittlesey, near Peterborough, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to coercive control, intentional strangulation, assault by beating and threatening to damage or destroy property.
He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday, 9th October, and handed an indefinite restraining order.
Investigating officer's reaction
Detective Constable Maisie Pratt, who investigated the case, said Evans' "sustained threatening, abusive, and violent behaviour was absolutely appalling" and that "the level of manipulation he showed towards the victim is truly shocking".
She said he "tried to control all aspects of her life and made her feel as though she was trapped".
DC Pratt commended the victim "for her courage in coming forward and for her bravery throughout this whole process".
She said domestic abuse "can take many forms and often escalates quickly", and that anyone experiencing violence or controlling behaviour should know support is available.
Anyone wanting to report concerns, or seeking advice and support on domestic abuse, including coercive control, is advised to visit the force's dedicated web pages.