Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A Plymouth man regularly attacked his partner and then claimed she’d been either injured at work or had inflicted the injuries herself.

Joseph Powney, 35, of Beaumont Road, Plymouth, was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on Tuesday 2 June to three years in prison.

A seven-year restraining order was put in place to protect the victim.

Powney entered a guilty plea to controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship on the first day of what was supposed to be his trial.

During the sentencing hearing the court heard how Police were called to the victim’s home in September 2024 where they found her injured outside with Powney having fled the scene.

The victim disclosed that she had been assaulted and strangled by Powney who was arrested after handing himself in.

The victim further described how over the course of around 10 months, she had been subjected to numerous assaults and strangulations from Powney.

The attacks caused her various physical injuries and trauma she is still struggling to overcome.

In his interviews with the police, Powney repeatedly denied the abusing the victim over the course of their relationship and claimed that she had been either injured at work or had inflicted these injuries herself.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Kieran Sullivan said: “We welcome the sentence given to Joseph Powney this week.

“Powney’s offending caused the victim both physical and psychological harm.

“It is to her massive credit that despite what she went through, she had the courage to speak to Police and turn up to court ready to give evidence.

“It was this bravery that ensured that justice was done.

“Anybody who has suffered abuse within a relationship – whether that be physical abuse or controlling behaviour – is asked to report it to us.

“Each report will be investigated and you will be supported throughout the process. Please report via 101 or our website or call 999 if in immediate danger.”