Derby Bully Convicted of Controlling or Coercive Behaviour

A Derby man has been convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour against his former girlfriend.

Sam Rose, 21, bombarded the victim with calls and texts demanding to know her every move at all hours of the day.

He constantly monitored her social media accounts, forcing her to send screenshot images of what she was saying and to whom.

The victim joined a gym in an effort to escape Rose's relentless scrutiny, but he forced her to send regular Snapchat updates of her exercise regime.

Rose admitted a charge of controlling or coercive behaviour during his recent appearance at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court.

This is an offence under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015. It is an either way offence with a maximum penalty of 12 month's imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction, 5 year's imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment.

Rose appeared in custody, as he is currently serving a 20 week sentence for harassing the same woman.

Lynn Bickley, prosecuting, said: "She could never do anything on her own while she was with him.

"She said he would constantly want to know where she was and who she was with.

"He accused her of sleeping with other men and, on one occasion, he pushed her against a wall at their home.

"She was terrified, he said he would break her jaw, then he went upstairs, shut himself in the bathroom and threatened to kill himself."

Miss Bickley told the court that the pair were in a relationship between April 2018 and February 2019. The woman went to the police when the relationship ended and Rose was arrested.

"He would blame her all the time for things that were not her fault.

"She said he would be so vile and horrible to her that she did what he said because it was easier that way,

"There were occasions when she was in work meetings and he would call her more than 20 times.

"If she had been online he demanded to see screen shots of who she had been talking to.

"During the relationship, if she had a bath he would demand to sit in the room with her to check who she was talking to on Snapchat."

James Close, defending, said although his client does not accept all of the allegations the prosecution outlined he admitted his behaviour on a full facts basis. This means he will be sentenced on the prosecution's evidence.

Magistrates sent the case to Derby Crown Court for sentence. Rose will next appear before that court on 16th May 2019.