A man who controlled, strangled and stalked a woman, leaving her scared for her life, has been handed a three-year prison sentence.
Kian Rowe, now aged 21, used his knees to pin down his ex-partner before placing both his hands around her throat as he throttled and left her gasping for breath during one incident.
That came amid what prosecutor Tim Evans told Carlisle Crown Court had been a determined, persistent and, bluntly, sinister campaign of control during their relationship earlier this year.
Rowe verbally abused the woman, assaulted her, restricted contact with family and friends, dictated what she wore and created fake social media profiles in order to make threats.
Police first became involved when they were called by Rowe himself as he fabricated reports of the woman slapping and stalking him, leading to her initially being arrested.
“This was a pre-emptive strike in effect, and another example of the defendant’s manipulating events,” said Mr Evans.
Rowe, of Croft Close, Millom, latterly bombarded the woman with 100 phone calls and dozens of messages, also tracking her movements and offering people £400 to beat her up.
“I am genuinely scared for my life,” the woman had told police, also describing panic attacks and recurring dreams of being strangled.
But, seeking to deal with Rowe’s criminal conduct, she had also stated: “All I want to say to Kian is ‘you don’t control my life any more’.”
Rowe admitted offences including strangulation, controlling or coercive behaviour and stalking, on a formal basis accepted by the prosecution.
During a sentencing hearing today, the court heard of his unstable upbringing, his remorse and his desire to change himself for the better.
“He wishes to address his issues,” said Kim Whittlestone, mitigating.
Judge Michael Fanning took into account the contents of a detailed psychological report, Rowe’s tender age and his guilty pleas as he imposed an immediate three-year prison sentence.
Rowe was also banned from contacting his victim under a 10-year restraining order.
