A violent Medway resident who met a woman online and took complete control of her life has been jailed.
Liam Battelle got to know his victim through social media and met her in person at the start of 2023. He quickly moved into the victim’s house and almost immediately started to assault her.
Battelle was an extremely jealous individual, often accusing her of having other relationships and requiring her to seek his permission to use her phone. He would then sit next to her and listen as she made the call.
His behaviour became steadily more controlling and he would not allow the victim to use the bathroom alone or do things such as use her hair straighteners. He threatened to throw acid in her face if she left him and his actions caused her to distance herself from family members and close friends.
Over this period, the assaults continued and Battelle damaged her property and used the victim’s bank card to make purchases for himself. Battelle, of High Street, Chatham, was arrested on 11th July. He was later charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.
He had been convicted of a sexual offence against a different victim in 2019 and was required to sign the sex offenders register. This included notifying the police if he resided at a new address within three days. Battelle was additionally charged with two breaches of these conditions.
The victim has shown great courage in coming forward to describe her ordeal to police officers
Battelle, 31, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Thursday 24th October 2024, was sentenced to two years and 10 months’ imprisonment. He will also be subject to a restraining order on his release from prison for seven years.
DC Grant Miles-Wilson said ‘This appalling man made his victim’s life a misery over several months as he steadily took control of everything she did. The threats and regular violence caused a woman who was very close to her family to become more and more distant and withdrawn.’
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