DAVID NELSON – DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND

❌DAVID NELSON – DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND❌

Man Jailed After Years of Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

David Nelson, from Maghera in the Derry area of Northern Ireland, was sentenced to a total of three years after admitting a prolonged campaign of domestic abuse against his wife.

He received 10 months in prison followed by 23 months on probation, with the court noting that had he not pleaded guilty, he faced a strong possibility of a significantly longer custodial sentence of up to five years.

The court heard that Nelson subjected his wife to years of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. This included breaking her nose, damaging her teeth, and violently assaulting her to the point where she feared for her life. On one occasion, he locked her inside the home and deliberately destroyed the car keys, preventing her from leaving after a serious assault.

In addition to the physical violence, Nelson carried out sustained mental and emotional abuse, repeatedly humiliating and degrading his wife, including telling her to harm herself. The behaviour formed part of a wider pattern of coercive and controlling conduct, characterised by manipulation and intimidation.

Despite the conviction, Nelson has continued to deny responsibility for his actions and has consistently portrayed himself as the victim. Professionals involved in the case described clear patterns of narcissistic and controlling behaviour.

The survivor is now receiving appropriate support and safeguarding. Those close to the case stress that while abuse is not always visible to others, help is available and recovery is possible. She is not defined by what was done to her — she is a survivor.

David Nelson is recorded under Clare’s Law, meaning any current or future partner has the right to request disclosure from police about his history of domestic abuse.