Ashington man jailed for domestic abuse
Ryan Cleverly, 27, was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison
‘I just wanted a normal loving relationship - those are the words of a victim-survivor who was repeatedly assaulted and abused by her ex-partner during the course of their six-month relationship.
Ryan Cleverly, 27, was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison last Thursday morning for two counts of battery, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and criminal damage.
From the start of the relationship the victim-survivor noticed the beginnings of abusive behaviour, including love-bombing, jealously, and the use manipulative tactics.
However, things quickly escalated into physical abuse, as Cleverly started to assault his ex-partner during arguments, often calling her derogatory names and becoming extremely aggressive.
During the relationship, Cleverly headbutted, punched, strangled, dragged, kicked and pushed the woman on numerous occasions – often immediately apologising and promising it wouldn’t happen again.
He also repeatedly accused the woman of cheating on him and would either take or demand money from her to fund his own lifestyle.
The woman described how she was ‘never allowed to shower by myself’ – and if she did, she would again be accused of cheating.
He consistently demanded access to the victim-survivors phone and would stop her from listening to music he deemed inappropriate for her to listen to.
In the days leading up to his arrest, Cleverly also damaged two games consoles inside the woman’s house – pouring liquids over them on purpose in a last-ditch attempt to exert control over her.
Following the last occasion of assault which resulted in a family member having to intervene, the abuse was reported to Northumbria Police where the victim-survivor was able to provide photographs and footage of the abuse taking place.
In February, Cleverly, of Woodhorn Villas, Ashington, was charged with the abuse.
He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in July, where he admitted the offences.
As well as a prison sentence, Cleverly was handed a lifelong restraining order to further protect the victim-survivor once he is released from custody.
Speaking after Cleverly’s sentencing, Detective Constable Adam Goodwin, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a truly shocking case of consistent abuse which started not long into the relationship.
“The increasing levels of violence over such a short time are extremely worrying – and I am very glad the victim-survivor made a report when she did.
“She should be extremely proud of herself, and I hope that she’s now able to look to the future and move on in whatever way she may be able.”
Det Con Goodwin added: “It’s clear that Ryan Cleverly is an extremely violent man and I am glad he’s now beginning a lengthy stint behind bars for what he’s done.
“As a Force, we’ll do everything we can to hold abusers to account and it’s important to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to that.”
People looking for information from Northumbria Police about reporting domestic abuse can find more online.
If a crime is ongoing, or someone is at risk, always call 999.
There are also links to support organisations on Northumbria Police's website.