Maidstone man jailed after video call caught him assaulting partner
An investigation revealed he banned the victim from wearing makeup and made demands about her clothing
A video phone call to a friend captured the moment a domestic abuse victim was violently assaulted by her partner.
James Dye from Maidstone has now been jailed after subjecting the woman to sustained physical and mental abuse lasting at least two years.
The abuse culminated in a violent outburst on 14 May 2024, when Dye attended the victim’s home.
When she spoke of plans to go out later that day he became aggressive and assaulted her.
During the incident the victim grabbed a tablet device and was able to make a call to a friend, who witnessed Dye with both hands around her neck.
The woman managed to leave the property but was followed by Dye as she boarded a train and made her way into Maidstone.
He continued to shout insults and intimidation.
Police were notified of the abuse in the weeks that followed and Dye, of College Road, Maidstone was arrested on 25 June.
An investigation revealed over the course of the relationship he controlled several aspects of the victim’s life, including banning her from wearing makeup and making demands about her clothing.
He told her who she was allowed to see and blocked friends on her phone so she could not contact them.
Dye, 29, appeared before Maidstone Crown Court and pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in a controlling and coercive relationship.
A second charge of intentional strangulation was ordered by the court to lie on file.
On 28 January 2025, Dye was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.
He was also made subject of a five-year restraining order.
Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Josh Barkaway who said:
‘Dye subjected his victim to repeated psychological and physical abuse, using fear and threats of violence to exert control over almost every aspect of her life.
He made countless phone calls, sent unwanted texts, and screamed verbal abuse almost daily.
This left the victim in constant fear and forced her to change her daily routines.
His appalling behaviour was relentless and has caused her a huge amount of distress and anxiety.
We are grateful the victim has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and has helped us secure this important sentence.
Bullies like Dye will often commit offences behind closed doors, and whilst victims may sometimes feel helpless nobody should feel they don’t have the option to walk away.
I would urge anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation or relationship to report it to someone and get help.
There is a range of support and information available, just phone us or ask a trusted friend or relative to do it.’