A controlling partner who subjected his victim to a decade of abuse and even strangled her has been jailed for more than two years.
Anthony Bernard, 49, of Croyland Road, Walton, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship and intentional strangulation.
His abuse came to light after an incident on August 11, when he emptied his partner’s wardrobe, took her belongings, and threatened to burn them in a car.
Police uncovered more than a decade of coercive and controlling behaviour during their investigation.
Bernard had installed cameras around the home to monitor the victim, restricted her contact with friends, and tried to prevent her from having hobbies.
He regularly questioned her about her whereabouts, went through her phone while she slept, and checked her smartwatch to track how far she had travelled.
If she was out longer than expected, he would accuse her of cheating.
When the victim challenged his behaviour, Bernard became aggressive and verbally abusive, often punching walls in anger, leaving her frightened.
In June last year, he pinned the victim against a wall and strangled her during an argument.
Bernard was jailed for two years and three months and given a restraining order at Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday, November 4.
Detective Constable Isabelle Wilding said: "Bernard subjected his victim to years of controlling behaviour, monitoring her movements, restricting her contact with friends and invading her privacy.
"His behaviour left her frightened and was designed to strip away her independence and control different aspects of her life.
"I hope this sentence gives her some reassurance and sends a clear message that coercive and controlling behaviour is domestic abuse and we will take reports seriously."
To report concerns or for more advice and support on domestic abuse, including coercive control, visit Cambridgeshire Police's dedicated web pages.
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