An abuser from County Durham who subjected a woman to a ‘living hell’, with years of physical and mental abuse, has been jailed.
James Stubbs, 24, controlled almost evert aspect of his victim’s life, and she lived in constant fear that he would kill her. Stubbs refused to let the woman leave his home, damaged her clothes and possessions so that she couldn’t go anywhere, and stopped her from communicating with family and friends.
She was subjected to painful sexual abuse, with Stubbs claiming that it was to “check she hadn’t been seeing other men”. Durham Constabulary launched an investigation, leading to Stubbs being arrested and charged with multiple offences.
Stubbs admitted to a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour and assault, but he denied two counts of assault by penetration. However, he was found guilty of both offences by a jury following a trial, returning to Teesside Crown Court last Wednesday, where was subsequently jailed for ten years.
In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “James made my life and also my family’s life a living hell. He’s affected so many lives with his actions, it’s really broken me as a person.
“When I was with him I felt like every day was survival mode, not knowing what he was going to do to me next. I was always frightened and rigged with anxiety. He drilled into my head that if I stepped out of place he will end my life and talked me through how he would do it.
“He would explain how he would get away with it without anybody finding out, which led me to have this awful feeling and fear about death thinking everyone around me would die. I used to always think about writing letters to my family in case James did ever take my life, as I was in constant fear he was going to kill me.”
Stubbs, of Darlington, was handed a restraining order, and has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.
PC Samantha Geraghty, from the Safeguarding Team said: “Stubbs’ behaviour was utterly appalling and left a young woman fearing for her life.
“I hope that this sentence sends a strong message that controlling and coercive behaviour will not be tolerated and that we will do everything in our power to help those who are suffering. If you are suffering abuse, please know you are not alone – there are people who can and will help you.”
Police are asking anyone who is in immediate danger to call 999. Reports can also be made online on the Durham Constabulary website here.
Other services, which support both men and women, include:
- The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
- Local charity, Harbour, which is also available 24 hours a day on 03000 20 25 25.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/durham-abuser-who-subjected-woman-30780423