A controlling partner who left his former girlfriend feeling worthless and who damaged a tree planted in memory of her friend has been jailed for 30 months.
Carlisle Crown Court heard details today of Martin Vickers’ criminal conduct towards the woman in the Aspatria area during their two-year relationship.
On September 23, amid an argument between the pair, Vickers took the woman’s phone and texted abuse to her relatives, shouting and swearing at her when she began to cry.
The woman returned home after Vickers had been arrested, interviewed and bailed to find that he had caused damage to her footwear, a teddy bear and memorial tree.
She later told police that Vickers would be verbally abusive and derogatory towards her and, the court heard, had grabbed hold of a vehicle steering wheel while she was driving. “His words make me feel degraded and have little worth,” she had said.
The woman had removed a phone password at Vickers’ request and said she was made to feel isolated from people who expressed concern about their relationship; had distanced herself from family and friends; and attended few social events, becoming fearful when Vickers’ conduct escalated.
It emerged that Vickers also harassed a second woman, sending a string of messages after she had asked him to cease contact in which he expressed love for his ex-partner.
Vickers, of Cambridge Court, Bishop Auckland, admitted coercive and controlling behaviour, criminal damage and harassment.
Recorder Julian Shaw imposed a 30-month prison sentence and a restraining order which bans Vickers from having any contact with his former partner.
