Hertford Man Jailed for Domestic Abuse

A man has been jailed after pleading guilty to assaulting his former partner and using coercive and controlling behaviour towards her.

Daniel Valentine, 23, of Mead Lane, Hertford, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Monday (1st April), where he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

Valentine earlier pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour and two counts of assault that occurred on in April and June last year. 

The court heard how over the course of the year-long relationship, Valentine quickly became possessive and would question why the victim was going out with certain friends. He would make unwanted sexual advances and dismiss the victim when she highlighted his behaviour. Valentine would also insist on checking the victim’s phone.

On 17th April 2018 Valentine physically assaulted the victim outside his home. He pushed his head into hers and spat at her face. He pulled the victim’s hair and verbally abused her before concerned members of the public called the police.

On 9th June the victim was subjected to a further physical assault which took place at Valentine’s home. He repeatedly threw her to the floor whilst trying to take her phone. He then took the victim to a nearby common where he continued to throw her to the floor and hit her.

Valentine was then arrested on 11th June 2018.

Detective Constable Nick Jenkins, from the Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit (DAISU), said: "As well as the custodial sentence, Valentine has also been given a lifetime restraining order which prevents him from contacting the victim.

"Domestic abuse isn’t just about violence. The coercive control law recognises the impact that threats, intimidation or verbal abuse over a sustained period can also have on victims. It can leave them feeling isolated, drained of confidence and dependent on their abuser.

"I hope this sentence goes some way in helping the victim to recover from the horrendous ordeal of abuse that Valentine subjected her to."