Man jailed for 'campaign of control' over partner
Cumbria PoliceA 21-year-old man has been jailed for a "campaign of control" which left his partner in fear for her life.
Kian Rowe, of Millom in Cumbria, admitted offences including strangulation, controlling or coercive behaviour and stalking during a hearing at Carlisle Crown Court.
Prosecutor Tim Evans said Rowe had carried out a "determined, persistent and, bluntly, sinister campaign of control" during their relationship earlier this year, which involved verbal abuse, assault and restricted contact with family and friends.
Judge Michael Fanning jailed Rowe for three years and banned him from contacting his victim under a 10-year restraining order.
The court heard how Rowe, of Croft Close, used his knees to pin down his now ex-partner before placing both his hands around her throat as he throttled and left her gasping for breath during one attack.
His controlling behaviour spread into dictating what his partner wore and creating fake social media profiles in order to make threats.
He latterly bombarded the woman with 100 phone calls and dozens of messages, also tracking her movements and offering people £400 to beat her up.
'Scared for my life'
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.
"I am genuinely scared for my life," the woman had told police, also describing panic attacks and recurring dreams of being strangled.
"All I want to say to Kian is 'you don't control my life any more'," she said.
Kim Whittlestone, defending, said Rowe wanted to "address his issues".
The court heard of Rowe's unstable upbringing, his remorse and his desire to change himself for the better.
Judge Michael Fanning took into account the contents of a detailed psychological report, Rowe's young age and his guilty pleas as he imposed an immediate jail term.
