A Penzance man who threatened, controlled, and abused a woman over several months, leaving her feeling ‘terrified, petrified and alone’, has been sent to prison.

Victor Michell, 48, of Albert Street, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court today [Thursday 7 September] to three years and two months in prison. He pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour at a previous hearing.

Officers have praised the strength of the victim who came forward and reported Michell’s behaviour and supported the investigation throughout.

A key part of this investigation was voice recordings of conversations that the victim had recorded, over a period of months, between herself and Michell. In these conversations he made threats to bury her in a garden, to kill others and dictated her behaviour and movements.

During some of the recordings Michell made comments such as ‘You won’t wake up tomorrow’ and made repeated threats to kill her. The victim started making notes of Michell’s behaviour after he tried to convince her that conversations and situations hadn’t happened.

On one occasion Michell and the victim were in a hotel when an argument took place. Michell damaged the room and refused to let the victim leave. She managed to get out but was chased down by Michell who fashioned a noose out of his belt and ‘counted down’ until she went back to the room. Other guests called police.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Tom Parr said: “Today’s sentence is a welcome outcome for the victim, who had the courage in an abusive situation to come forward and report it.

“This conviction of controlling and coercive behaviour shows that domestic abuse takes many forms, but no matter which form it takes, these matters will be pursued by Devon and Cornwall Police with the aim of giving victims support and bringing justice to offenders.

“Domestic Abuse is a particularly devastating and personal form of crime and tackling it remains a priority. I hope this sentence encourages victims of all types of abuse to come forward and report it.”

If you’ve been affected by anything in this news article, support is available.Please contact the police by calling 101 or reporting via our website, where you can also find information and details of support organisations - Advice about domestic abuse | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)