Godalming man jailed for domestic abuse spanning eight years
He was sentenced to over seven years in prison
A 29-year-old man from Godalming has been sentenced to seven years and two months at Guildford Crown Court for a series of abusive acts against a woman over eight years.
Ernie Jones was convicted on 10th April 2026 for two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, actual bodily harm, and stalking with fear of violence.
The abuse came to light on 20th May 2025 when police were called to an address and a woman disclosed that she had endured physical and psychological abuse since 2017.
Jones's abusive behaviour included physical assaults, verbal threats, and attempts to isolate the victim from her children.
A particularly painful incident occurred on 23rd February 2025 when Jones attacked the victim while she was sitting in the passenger seat of her car, with their young children in the back, following a disagreement.
After his arrest on 21st May 2025, Jones repeatedly breached bail conditions through unwanted contact, leading to further charges.
The survivor expressed the deep impact of the abuse, recounting living in constant fear and being stripped of her independence.
She shared: "For eight years, I lived under Ernie's control and abuse. This was not a misunderstanding. It was a deliberate pattern of behaviour."
The survivor's statement highlighted the emotional and psychological toll and the effects on her children.
She described feeling fearful at home and the ongoing struggle to rebuild her life.
DC Emily Heath, who led the investigation, acknowledged the survivor's bravery and praised the support provided by outreach services.
Heath said: "She has shown tremendous courage in reporting the abuse and supporting the investigation throughout."
The case signifies a step towards justice and a chance for the survivor to move forward after enduring years of abuse.