A police officer from South Wales Police, Jamie Davies, was found guilty of committing coercive and controlling behaviour towards his girlfriend after they met on the dating app Hinge. The relationship quickly turned sour, with Davies displaying jealous and controlling behaviour that affected the woman’s life for a period of seven months. The disturbing details of the case were revealed at a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.
According to the prosecution, Davies started exhibiting problematic behaviour early on in the relationship. He would manipulate situations to make the woman feel sorry for him, such as claiming he was sleeping on a blow-up bed at his parents’ house. As the relationship progressed, Davies became increasingly possessive and controlling, leading to a series of distressing incidents for the woman.
Davies’s behaviour included monitoring the woman’s movements, making threats towards her, and refusing to accept the end of their relationship. He even resorted to self-harm and suicide threats as a means of manipulating the woman into staying with him. The victim described feeling trapped and emotionally drained by Davies’s actions, which impacted her confidence and ability to carry out her job.
The court heard how Davies not only displayed coercive and controlling behaviour but also engaged in manipulative actions that caused significant distress to the woman. Despite claiming poor mental health as a contributing factor to his actions, the judge emphasized that as a serving police officer, Davies should have adhered to a higher standard of behaviour.
In a bid to address his actions, Davies pleaded guilty to the charges of coercive and controlling behaviour at a late stage in the legal proceedings. His defence lawyer argued that his client’s mental health issues should be considered a mitigating factor and highlighted that Davies had no prior criminal record.
Ultimately, Judge Vanessa Francis sentenced Davies to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay the woman £1,000 in compensation, perform 150 hours of unpaid work, undergo 15 days of rehabilitation, and adhere to a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.
South Wales Police confirmed that Davies had been dismissed from the force following findings of gross misconduct. The case serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of coercive and controlling behaviour in relationships and the need for accountability, even for those in positions of authority.
Domestic abuse helplines in Wales offer support and guidance to individuals affected by abusive relationships. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, resources such as the Live Fear Free helpline provide confidential assistance and access to necessary services. It is essential to recognise and address coercive and controlling behaviour to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.