Torquay man jailed for brutal assaults and controlling behaviour against former partner
A man has been jailed for a total of four years for beating and strangling his former partner and seeking to control large parts of her life.
William Hatton, 41, from Torquay, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court recently after being found guilty at trial of two intentional strangulations, two assaults by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour.
During the trial, the court heard how Hatton had been in a relationship with the victim.
After a short period Hatton started becoming controlling of her, specifically wanting to be in her company all the time and becoming upset if she left the house alone.
Hatton discouraged her from getting a job, repeatedly told her she needed to listen and obey and insisted she always had tracking apps enabled on her phone.
He forced her to translate calls and texts from her native language into English and made comments regarding contact with family and friends, which resulted in the victim ceasing contact with them for extended periods of time.
On one occasion Hatton followed her around Teignmouth in hope of catching her with another man. The other man didn't exist.
A search of Hatton’s property found an observation room in the attic he prevented her from entering. Inside were multiple monitors with live links to camera views.
The first assault took place during a verbal argument when the defendant pushed the victim into a mirror causing it to smash.
Around a month later Hatton strangled the victim, pushing her into the corner of the couch saying words to the effect of “look how little it takes me to stop you from breathing”.
Hatton then strangled her a second time on that occasion, warning her if she went to the police he’d hurt her family.
The final assault took place when the victim went to Lidl and placed her phone on do not disturb because she wanted some alone time.
During that time she received seven calls from Hatton. She answered on the seventh and Hatton demanded to know where she was.
On her return an irate Hatton took a tea towel and wrapped it around her face and mouth, before forcing her to the floor.
During the incident, Hatton made threats resulting in the victim fearing for her life.
She then managed to turn onto her front in an attempt to free herself. Whilst still holding the tea towel Hatton smashed her face into the floor numerous times causing facial injuries before she managed to leave the scene.
Over the course of the offending Hatton also installed an app on the victim’s phone so he could track her and listen in on her.
Officer in the case, PC Diana Graszek, said: “I would like to publicly praise the victim in this case for the immense bravery she has shown in reporting what she suffered at the hands of William Hatton.
“Her courage has allowed us to take off the streets a man who presents a great danger to women.
“Hatton is a bully who not only inflicted great physical suffering, but he also went to great efforts to limit her freedom and control her life almost entirely.
“We hope the victim is now able to continue to recover from the ordeal she suffered at the hands of William Hatton and move on with her life.
“I would like to appeal to anyone who has suffered either domestic violence or controlling behaviour to report it to us.
“Reports will be investigated and steps taken to safeguard you.”
If you have been the victim of such offences, please report on 101 or via our website, or call 999 if in immediate danger.
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