Evil Callum Edwards has been convicted under a new law designed to catch those guilty of domestic abuse which does not include violence.
He instilled fear and emotional distress into his victim and his 18-month sentence has been welcomed by the police.
The offence of controlling and coercive behaviour is part of the Serious Crime Act 2015 which came into law in December 2015. The offence carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
Edwards’ conviction was one of the first in Kirklees under the new law.
The first convicted in West Yorkshire was 42-year-old Graham O’Shea from Mixenden in Halifax who was sentenced to four years imprisonment and given a life-long restraining order against the victim last November.
He took control of every aspect of her life including her finances. He took her bank cards and gave her an allowance of £10 per week. He refused to let the victim wash herself or her clothing and refused to let her visit her family. He escorted her to and from the bus stop when she went to work and regularly accused her of infidelity.
Det Sgt Dennise Bell from Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit said: “I would firstly like to praise the courage the bravery of the victim in finding the strength to come forward and hope that this conviction demonstrates our commitment to victims of these types of offences and that when things are reported our officers will do everything in their power to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Domestic abuse is an offence which can have severe emotional and physical effects on its victims and we want those suffering or at risk of suffering to know that safeguarding professionals are better equipped than ever to provide help, advice, support and that officers will make every effort to prosecute those responsible.
“Some victims suffer controlling and coercive behaviour for a long time with their partner’s behaviour gradually getting worse and eventually ending in violence. We have specially trained officers working across the force in our specialist safeguarding units who take all reports seriously, deal with them sensitively and do everything possible to safeguard those who are vulnerable.”
People who have been victims or witnessed domestic abuse and do not wish to speak to the police can call the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Domestic abuse can be reported by calling 101 and asking to speak to your local Safeguarding Unit.
