Broughton man sentenced for controlling and coercive behaviour
Neil Altoft, 28, has been sentenced to two years and one month behind bars
An ‘obnoxious’ and ‘unpredictable’ man has been jailed, after emotionally and physically terrorising a woman, causing her to fear for her life.
Neil Altoft, 28-years-old, of Beagle Close in Broughton North, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and has been sentenced to two years and one month behind bars. He was also handed an eight-year restraining order, after his appearance at Grimsby Crown Court last week (Monday, 18 August).
Police first received a report from the woman in November 2023, whereby she disclosed a spate of controlling and coercive behaviour, verbal and physical abuse causing her to sustain significant bruising across her body, leaving fingerprints on her skin, and on one occasion, putting her in fear of her life.
Officers were immediately deployed and Altoft was arrested at his home address, on suspicion of actual bodily harm, non-fatal strangulation, and coercive and controlling behaviour.
When questioned in interview, Altoft denied all offences put to him and when shown images of the woman’s injuries, he claimed he did not know what had caused them. He then proceeded to answer no comment to other questions asked.
Detective Inspector Jayne Coutts, from the Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Investigation Team, said: “We wouldn’t be here today without the bravery and strength shown by the woman who took that first step to report the emotional and physical violence she had been experiencing at the hands of Altoft.
“She is a credit to herself, and her courage cannot be underestimated, because despite everything she had been through, she remained on board and was willing to give evidence throughout what has been a very long and protracted investigation.
“Altoft is an obnoxious and capricious individual who was unpredictable in his actions, subjecting the woman to multiple incidents of verbal degradation, emotional abuse, and physical violence causing her to fear for her life.
“We take all reports of domestic abuse seriously and will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered at the hands of individuals with a propensity for violence like Altoft.
“I would like to commend the hard work and tenacity shown by the Police Constable leading the investigation at the time, and for the dedication and commitment of the entire DASIT team who make it their prerogative to hold offenders like Altoft accountable for their actions on a daily basis.
“These specialist trained officers also work in partnership with a whole host of support agencies and charities across the region to support victims and survivors throughout the entirety of the process.
“If you have been affected by domestic abuse, or have concerns about someone who has, when you are ready, please speak to someone you trust and report it to us via our non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency or if you are in immediate danger.”
If you are in danger and cannot talk on the phone call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator. 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.
There are also an abundance of support agencies and charities available who can provide independent specialist advice, guidance, and support. Head to the website to find out more.