CONOR PERCY – SYSTON, LEICESTERSHIRE

Abuse Survivor Speaks Out After Controlling Ex Given Suspended Prison Sentence

1 January 2024

A young woman has spoken publicly about the devastating impact of an abusive and controlling relationship after her former partner, Conor Percy, 27, of Roundhill Close, Syston, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court.

Percy pleaded guilty to three counts of common assault and one charge of strangulation.

The survivor, who is in her early 20s and does not wish to be named, described how the relationship began in July 2021. In the early months, she said Percy showered her with affection and attention — behaviour often described as “love-bombing.” However, his conduct quickly escalated into manipulation, coercive control and violence. At one point, she said, he threatened to harm himself if the relationship ended.

In July 2022, the court heard Percy pushed her, shoved her onto a bed and held her down as she tried to escape. She later locked herself in the bathroom until he passed out. The following evening, after returning from work, Percy banged on her door until she let him in and then strangled her to the point she could not breathe.

On another occasion, he attempted to take her phone during an argument, injuring her finger while pulling her hand.

Throughout the relationship, she said she was not allowed to close or lock the bathroom door if he was present. If she went out with friends, he would repeatedly call and message her, often accusing her of cheating. While she was at work, he would wait outside her office and monitor her movements. Even during family visits, he insisted on being present.

Sentence

Judge William Harbage KC sentenced Percy to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, comply with a curfew from 8pm to 6am for two months, pay £1,000 in court costs, and undertake a Building Better Relationships course with the probation service.

Commenting on the curfew, the judge told Percy:

“That will remind you of how close you have come to prison today.”