Man jailed for controlling and coercive behaviour

A 40-year-old-man has been sentenced to two years and five months in prison after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB), strangulation and criminal damage.

Sean Brady, 40 (DOB: 15/10/1985), of Sunbury-on-Thames, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 6 February.

Police received a call from a woman at 10.57pm on Monday, 31 March last year stating that her ex-partner had climbed on top of her car and started causing considerable damage. Prior to this, Brady sent her various threatening and abusive messages.

Officers attended the address and engaged with the woman where she disclosed five years of physical and psychological abuse.

She completed various statements detailing the controlling and coercive behaviour Brady displayed and how he would aggravate situations.

Throughout this period, the abuse became progressively worse resulting in the woman being assaulted several times. Brady would regularly throw objects at her and on one occasion strangled her.

Urgent enquiries to locate him got underway and he was arrested on Wednesday, 2 April. Brady subsequently pleaded guilty on day one of the trial. He was sentenced last week.

DC Charlotte Bell from our Criminal Investigations Department, said: "I would like to recognise the victim-survivor's strength in disclosing Brady's history and behaviour to our officers after she made that call in March. I also want to thank her for her trust in Surrey Police and bravery for supporting our investigation.

"Controlling and coercive behaviour is used to exert power and control over another person's daily life. It often involves tactics like isolation and intimidation and can have a significant impact on a victim-survivor's physical and mental wellbeing.

"I would urge anyone who recognises some of these patterns to report it to police. You will be supported and listened to from the start."

If you recognise any of these behaviours in a partner, friend or family member, there is support available to you. You're not alone. Please click here for more information.