Bradwell man jailed for 'controlling and coercive' behaviour

Ian Parry, 42, had been in a relationship with the victim for nine years but became increasingly manipulative from 2020 onwards.

Norwich Crown Court heard he stopped the woman from seeing family members either by saying he was ill or that her mental health was not good and she should not go out.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)If she did go out Parry would make threats to her and other members of her family, including that he would go to her 83-year-old grandmother's house and burn it down with her inside.

The victim "believed the threats" and was "scared" of what might happen.

The court heard Parry repeatedly smashed up her flat and she had to put up pictures to cover damage to the walls.

She "lost count of how many microwaves she had to replace" after he punched them.

Parry would tell her what to wear and discourage her from wearing make-up as it was "slaggy".

He also made threats to kill her if she left or said he would stab any future partners she became involved with.

Parry, of Bunnewell Avenue, Bradwell, appeared in court for sentencing having previously admitted engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour in an intimate/family relationship.

He also admitted two counts of sending a letter/communication/article conveying a threatening message.

The court heard Parry's behaviour affected the victim's mental health issues and left her feeling she "couldn't cope with it anymore" prompting her to go to the police.

Jailing him for a total of three years and four months, Judge Andrew Shaw said Parry's behaviour was intended to "humiliate or degrade" the victim.

Judge Andrew Shaw (Image: Newsquest)He said it resulted in "significant psychological harm".

Parry, who was represented by Danielle O'Donovan, was also made the subject of a 10 year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim, her sister or his son.