SAM DREWERY – HULL

2026 – Woman says violent ex-partner “ruined” her life after years of physical and emotional abuse

A woman has told how her violent and controlling ex-partner “ruined” her life after subjecting her to repeated incidents of physical and emotional abuse over the course of their three-year relationship.

Hull Crown Court heard that Sam Drewery, 33, carried out a sustained campaign of coercive and violent behaviour that left his former partner fearing for her safety and terrified about what he might do next.

Drewery, of Hull Road, Anlaby, admitted engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour in Grimsby between July 30, 2022 and October 6 last year. Although he initially denied the offence, he pleaded guilty on the day of his scheduled trial before magistrates.

Prosecutor Amber Hobson told the court the relationship was marked by repeated violence, intimidation and emotional manipulation. The couple had been together for around three years and share a young son.

During that time, Drewery regularly cheated on his partner, hurled insults at her and isolated her from friends and family. Ms Hobson said he would call her “nasty names”, undermine her confidence and make false accusations of infidelity.

The abuse escalated into violence on multiple occasions.

In July 2022, during a drink-fuelled argument, Drewery punched her several times to the face and head, causing swelling. On another occasion in October 2022, he accused her of cheating and smashed the windows of her car. He also tried to start a fire and pushed her, leaving her with a cut and grazing to her forehead and a bust lip.

The court heard he repeatedly lashed out during arguments, punching her on the knee and striking her hand. On March 29, 2023, he punched her to the head, causing a visible bump.

In one of the most serious incidents, he put his arm around her neck and strangled her to the point where she feared she was going to die and almost lost consciousness.

Deputy Circuit Judge Timothy Clayson said the worst incident was the strangulation.

“You were undermining of her emotionally and you made false allegations of infidelity,” the judge said. “The worst incident was strangling her to the point where she almost lost consciousness.

“All of this had a major psychological effect on her. It’s a really unpleasant thing to do to be violent and undermining of the person you are supposed to love.”

The abuse extended beyond physical assaults. After they separated, Drewery threatened to damage her car and told her to look in the boot, where she discovered a tracking device hidden inside. She said she was left scared of what he would do next and constantly worried about her car, her home and her family.

In a victim impact statement, she said: “This has ruined my confidence. He has ruined my life and continues to ruin my life. I am constantly worried about my car, my home, my family and my son.”

The court heard Drewery had 43 previous convictions, including four for causing criminal damage.

He had been in custody for three-and-a-half months prior to sentencing and was said to be in a new relationship. He previously worked in the scrap metal industry.

Sentencing him, Judge Clayson said the relationship had been characterised by repeated incidents of physical and emotional abuse.

“You would assault her and isolate her from her family and friends and you would use violence towards her, especially when you were intoxicated. You would be unfaithful to her and you would make threats towards her,” he said.

Drewery was jailed for two years and eight months. He was also made subject to a five-year restraining order to protect his former partner.