Prison result following Clare's Law disclosure

A 43-year-old man has been sent to prison and given a 10 year Restraining Order after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB).

Benjamin Carlin, 43 (DOB: 13/07/1982), of Stockport was sentenced to two years and one month when he appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 17 March.

Carlin’s behaviour came to light when Surrey Police met with a woman in August 2025 to provide a disclosure under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, otherwise known as Clare’s Law.

The woman raised concerns about her relationship with Carlin, detailing coercive and controlling behaviour that made her feel trapped and afraid to end the relationship.

The victim said that if she didn’t respond to his calls at all times of the day, she would receive a barrage of abuse.

The victim also said that Carlin routinely made threats to kill her, as well as members of her family, throughout their relationship. He also threatened to kill himself if she ended their relationship.

On 13 August 2025, the victim told police that Carlin was becoming increasingly controlling.

He told her that she was not giving him enough attention and threatened to travel down to Surrey and strangle her. While she was speaking to police, the victim received over 10 calls from Carlin, with him demanding that she proved where she was, and accusing her of lying.

Due to the escalation of his behaviour, officers asked colleagues from West Midlands Police to arrest Carlin, which is where he was believed to be.

He was arrested on suspicion of coercive and controlling behaviour, and subsequently charged and remanded, pleading guilty on the first day he was due to stand trial.

The victim has since been in touch to thank the Surrey Police Domestic Abuse Team for their support through the case, and shared:

"The sad fact is, if the Clare's Law hadn’t been done, I would probably still be with Ben whilst lying to myself that there would have been a safe time to leave – when really there was never going to be a safe time.

"I can honestly say I’ve never felt more proud of myself for making a stand on what I knew was the right thing to do. I did it for me, every other woman that has been in a similar position, and for the unfortunate woman who died but made Clare's Law possible for the rest of us.

"With Surrey Police's intervention and help I believe I have my life back and cannot thank you enough."

Investigating Officer Charlotte Barrett, from Surrey Police's Domestic Abuse Team, said:

"I want to acknowledge the incredible strength and bravery of the victim for supporting police action from the start. I recognise it is certainly not an easy thing to do, and I want to thank her personally, for trusting us through this process.

“Coercive and controlling behaviour is used to exert power and control over another person’s life, often involving tactics such as monitoring daily activities and intimidation.

"This case came to light after the victim completed a Clare’s Law domestic abuse disclosure. I cannot stress enough the value of this scheme and the importance of making a referral to us if you concerned about the behaviour of someone you are in a relationship with. You can also make an application on behalf of a friend or family member if you believe they may be at risk of domestic abuse.

“Finding out about any previous offending from that person may give the information needed to keep themselves safe.

“If you report domestic abuse to us, you will be listened to and supported."

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.