A 28-year-old man from Melksham has been sentenced to nine months in prison after admitting to controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman in her 20s. Joe Martin’s abuse occurred between 7 and 18 February and escalated when he forcibly took the woman from a Bath pub, locked her inside his car, and confiscated her phone to prevent her from calling for help.
During this time, Martin made severe threats to the victim, including paying someone to sever her head and threatening to crash the vehicle they were in. The woman, fearing for her safety, reported the abuse to the police, leading to Martin’s arrest, charge, and remand into custody.
He appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on Monday, 17 August, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. Alongside his prison sentence, the court issued a five-year restraining order to protect the victim.
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Assistant Superintendent Surgey condemned Martin’s actions, emphasising the significant stress and anxiety caused to the victim. I would like to commend her for her bravery and courage in reporting his behaviour to the police and seeing this through until conviction,'' Surgey said. I hope this sentence provides the victim with the time and space they need to process what happened and begin to heal. Targeting and reducing violence against women and girls is a Force priority, and we will always act robustly to bring domestic abuse perpetrators before the courts."
Those affected by domestic violence can find support through organisations listed by Wiltshire Police. In emergencies where speaking is not possible, individuals are reminded they can dial 999 and press 55 to silently alert the police.