DOMINIC COURT – EXETER

Please do Clare’s law

2023 – Jealous and controlling boyfriend jailed after campaign of abuse against partner

A man has been jailed after subjecting his former partner to a sustained period of violent and controlling behaviour which left her fearing for her life.

Dominic Court, 24, was described as a jealous and aggressive individual who made his partner’s life “a living hell” during the course of their relationship.

The pair met in August 2022, but within weeks Court’s behaviour began to change. Prosecutors said he became increasingly possessive, monitoring her movements and demanding to know where she was at all times.

As the relationship progressed, his actions escalated into threats, intimidation and repeated acts of violence. He bombarded her with messages, spat at her, and on one occasion grabbed her by the throat.

In another incident, the victim was so frightened she considered jumping from a window approximately 20ft high in an attempt to escape.

The court heard that during a stay at a hotel in Bristol, Court put both hands around her neck and pushed her onto a bed, leaving her feeling as though she might lose consciousness.

On another occasion, he slapped her, kicked her and pinned her down, before later demanding she delete photographs showing her injuries. When she refused, he became further enraged.

Court also made a series of threats, including telling her he would harm her if she attempted to leave the relationship. While holding a knife, he threatened to stab her, and boasted about previous violent acts. He also threatened to damage property and intimidate those connected to her.

Even after police became involved, Court continued his behaviour. He ignored conditions to stay away from the victim and attempted to manipulate her emotionally, including threatening to harm himself in order to pressure her into maintaining contact.

The victim eventually fled to London in an effort to escape, but the harassment continued, with Court sending hundreds of messages urging her to return to him.

In a statement read to the court, she said her life had been permanently affected by the ordeal, describing Court as violent, controlling and unpredictable.

Court admitted charges including controlling and coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

During sentencing at Exeter Crown Court, Judge David Evans told him he had displayed deeply concerning behaviour rooted in jealousy and control. The judge said he posed a risk to future partners, highlighting the combination of emotional manipulation, threats and violence.

Court was jailed for two and a half years.