Jail for abuser who made woman’s life “living hell”

An abuser who subjected a woman to years of physical and mental abuse and controlled almost every aspect of her life has been jailed.

James Stubbs refused to let the woman leave his address, damaged her phone and clothing so she couldn’t go out, verbally and physically abused her, and stopped her from seeing her family and friends.

The 24-year-old also subjected the woman to painful sexual abuse to “check she hadn’t been seeing other men”.

The woman was left walking on eggshells and lived in constant fear that Stubbs would kill her.

An investigation was launched by Durham Constabulary which led to Stubbs being arrested and charged with several offences.

He admitted a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour and assault, but denied two counts of assault by penetration.

However, a jury found him guilty of both offences following a trial and he returned to Teesside Crown Court last Wednesday (January 8) where he was jailed for ten years.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “James made my life and also my family’s life a living hell. He’s affected so many lives with his actions, it’s really broken me as a person.

“When I was with him I felt like every day was survival mode, not knowing what he was going to do to me next. I was always frightened and rigged with anxiety.

“He drilled into my head that if I stepped out of place he will end my life and talked me through how he would do it.

“He would explain how he would get away with it without anybody finding out, which led me to have this awful feeling and fear about death thinking everyone around me would die.

“I used to always think about writing letters to my family in case James did ever take my life, as I was in constant fear he was going to kill me.”

Stubbs, of Darlington, was also handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman, and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

PC Samantha Geraghty, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, led the investigation. She said: “Stubbs’ behaviour was utterly appalling and left a young woman fearing for her life.

“I hope that this sentence sends a strong message that controlling and coercive behaviour will not be tolerated and that we will do everything in our power to help those who are suffering.

“If you are suffering abuse, please know you are not alone – there are people who can and will help you.”

Call 101, or 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Reports can also be made online at: Report domestic abuse | Durham Constabulary

If you don’t want to speak to the police, there are other helplines available:

• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
• Local charity, Harbour, is also available 24 hours a day on 03000 20 25 25.

The above services support both men and women.