A Sunderland man made his girlfriend's life a misery during a relationship that was marred by domestic abuse and controlling behaviour.
Lewis White left his ex-partner terrified by isolating her from her family, coercing her into requesting money from her family and friends and made threats to kill himself when she didn't comply. The 25-year-old also assaulted her and even made threats towards her family members when they intervened.
During one incident, White smashed up the woman's TV after punching her before making threats towards her brother and sister who had turned up to take her away from the abuse.
On Wednesday, White, of Thistle House, Hall Farm, Sunderland, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for coercive and controlling behaviour, criminal damage, assault by beating, and threatening behaviour. He had pleaded guilty to the offences, which were committed between March 2021 and June last year.
The court was told that White and the woman had been in a relationship for around two years but it had moved on quickly. However, the relationship soon changed and arguments ensued regarding White's drinking.
Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said: "She started getting anxious about his behaviour as he would punch doors and act aggressively. He started being physically abusive towards her in 2021 and had slapped her across the face after having too much to drink."
In June last year, a "heated" argument broke out regarding White's alcohol use and he began "shouting and screaming" before things escalated further. Mr Pallister said the woman was "extremely scared" and was "shaking with fear" during the incident as White became increasingly more angry and aggressive.
He said: "He threw a punch with significant force at her arm and she felt her shoulder jolt backwards. She felt pain and she left the address. She later returned to find her TV had been damaged to the cost of £299. She was preparing to leave when she heard him come through the door and told him she was leaving. He replied, 'watch what happens to your mam and dad's'."
The woman's brother and sister then attended the address in a car to take her away, with White being described as "irate". He then began hurling abuse at her siblings and began punching and kicking the car before threatening to "stab" her brother. Mr Pallister added: "He said 'I'll kill myself unless you get back in the house'." White was arrested days later.
The court heard that during the relationship, White had repeatedly engaged in behaviour which was controlling or coercive and coerced her into requesting money from her family and friends. He also threatened to kill himself if she did not comply, and isolated her from her family.
Ellen Wright, defending, was not required to fully mitigate after Recorder Hawks explained he would not send White straight to prison.
Sentencing him, Recorder Hawks said White "behaved disgracefully" and "made her life a misery", adding: "That sort of behaviour is not acceptable."
White was given an 18 month prison sentence, suspended for two years and must carry out 20 rehabilitation days and undertake a relationship programme. A five year restraining order was also imposed.
