Grimsby man jailed for over two years for prolonged emotional and physical abuse of a woman
The 24-year-old has also been handed a ten-year restraining order
A man from Grimsby who violently attacked a woman causing significant emotional and physical abuse has been sentenced to two years and six months behind bars.
The 24-year-old has also been handed a ten-year restraining order after appearing at Grimsby Crown Court today (Wednesday, 13th August).
Leo Tuplin, of Duncombe Gardens in the town pleaded guilty to non-fatal strangulation, actual bodily harm, and criminal damage at an earlier court hearing and was remanded into custody for sentencing today.
In December last year, Police received a report from a third-party support agency claiming a woman had reported a verbal argument with Tuplin leading to her being pushed with such force furniture broke beneath her.
Over the next few days, the woman also disclosed a series of violent incidents spanning over the course of a year including vicious attacks in her home and in the street.
An investigation was launched and Tuplin was arrested.
Whilst in custody he denied any knowledge of the crimes committed against the woman, answering no comment to all questions asked.
Speaking of the trauma faced because of this man, the woman said: “I want this to be a warning to other men like Tuplin, and I want to help protect other women who may be in a similar situation.
“It was a living hell, and I won’t ever forget the flashbacks or the trauma which continues to affect my ability to trust.
“I’m left with permanent physical and emotional scars, and I want to raise awareness and encourage others to recognise the abuse, tell someone, and feel empowered to take action. I also hope this will give strength to other victims who may be suffering in silence.
“The result here today shows that with the right support, survivors can find it in them to take the first step to escape the cycle of abuse, seek help, and get justice.
“You are not alone.”
Detective Inspector Jayne Coutts from Humberside Police's Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Investigation Teams added:
“Whilst Tuplin was in custody he continued to refuse to admit what he had done, initially pleading not guilty in an attempt to hold onto some kind of control.
“Despite this, the woman showed such strength and resilience in attending court to give evidence against him that ultimately led him to eventually choose to plead guilty, removing the need for a trial because of the courage shown by her to stand up to him.
“Tuplin is a vicious bully who inflicted such force furniture broke beneath her, he damaged her phone beyond repair and caused bruising across her body on numerous occasions. He made her fear for her life, and the emotional and physical scars that she has endured at the hands of Tuplin cannot be underestimated.
“I cannot commend her highly enough for the courageousness the woman has shown since she first took that step and reported to us, and I hope this empowers other woman and girls who may have experienced something similar, to tell someone. You will be listened to, and we will always do everything we can to hold those accountable for such inhumane crimes.
“Violence against women and girls is wholly unacceptable, and I encourage anyone who is a victim of, knows someone who is, or has witnessed domestic abuse and violence in any form to please report it to us via our non-emergency number 101.
“If you are in immediate danger, or there is any risk to life, always call 999.”
If you are in danger and cannot talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator, and if you can, cough or tap on the handset to reply. You can also press 55 on your handset to make yourself heard and this will transfer your call directly to the police.