[A] CONTROLLING boyfriend who took over “all aspects” of his partner’s life has been given a suspended jail term.
David Norsworthy, 34, was said to have persuaded the female to give up her home, car and independence during a short-lived but “tense” relationship as she moved into his Workington home last year. Carlisle Crown Court heard the woman also surrendered her dog, job and deleted her Facebook account while with Norsworthy. He was “verbally abusive and, on occasion, physically abusive towards her”.
Police were called after a scuffle between the pair left her bruised. The woman stated the relationship left her “distressed”, causing her to lose “all confidence and self-esteem”.
Norsworthy admitted using controlling or coercive behaviour towards the woman during a six-week period.
After hearing the defendant was “motivated to comply with any court orders”, Recorder Julie Clemitson suspended an 11-month jail term for 24 months.
Norsworthy, of Thwaite Bank, Northside, must complete a “building better relationships” course, rehabilitation and 240 hours’ unpaid work. He was also made subjected to a 12-month residence requirement and banned from contacting his victim indefinitely.
“The relationship was incredibly tense,” Recorder Clemitson observed. “You appear to have taken over every aspect of her life.”
