Man sentenced to more than four years in prison for controlling and coercive behaviour

Bradley Ramsden abused his 19-year-old girlfriend

Bradley Ramsden was found guilty by a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court
Author: Jason BeckPublished 12th Nov 2024

A 20-year-old man from Portsmouth has been jailed for four years and four months after being found guilty of offences including controlling and coercive behaviour.

Bradley Ramsden of no fixed address was found guilty by a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court following a five day trial.

His behaviour was so abusive that his 19 year-old victim and her family had to make significant changes as a result.

The court heard that he had assaulted the victim at Milton Common in February after she had resumed a relationship with him the previous month.

Later the same day he assaulted her again at an address in Buckland and tried to assault her mother who was also present.

Police said subsequent enquiries established that he had held a knife against the victims throat in January.

His coercive and controlling behaviour included making threats of violence, denying her access to friends, making her delete her social media profiles, and making her send images of herself to prove where she was.

Ramsden is also now subject to a 15 year restraining order against his victim and her mother.

Officer in the case, Police Staff Investigator Kennedy Kirk said: "Ramsden’s behaviour had a significant impact on the victim and her family.

"They had known each other for a number of years and his coercive and controlling behaviour had started in 2021.

"It was only when the assault was reported to us earlier this year that we could build a picture of the circumstances that had led to this and understand the extent of his coercive and controlling behaviour.

"I do hope that this court result allows the victim and her family to move on with their lives as Ramsden cannot cause them any more misery now that he has been sentenced.

"Controlling coercive behaviour is an isolating and distressing crime and can have a devastating effect on those who experience it.

"We take every report of this nature extremely seriously. We hope this sentence gives people the confidence to come forward knowing that you will be supported."

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