Portsmouth man jailed for controlling coercive behaviour

A Portsmouth man has been sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in prison after being found guilty of controlling coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

Daniel Paddon, 43, of Aylward Street in Portsmouth pleaded not guilty to coercive controlling behaviour between August and November 2023.

The court heard how in this time, Paddon had placed a tracking device on his victim’s car, shown up at her address and refused to leave, kicked her door in and sent many abusive messages, including threatening to harm her and her family and sending pin locations showing that he was outside her family’s homes.

The victim reported to police that Paddon’s behaviour had left her feeling hopeless and so frightened that she had boarded her house up with planks of wood.

Paddon was found guilty by a jury on Monday 12 August 2024, following an eight day trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.

He appeared at the court again for sentencing on Tuesday 5 November where, in addition to imprisonment, a restraining order was also granted which prevents Paddon from contacting the victim directly or indirectly and excludes him from attending her address.

Speaking after the sentence, DI Katt Green from the Eastern Criminal Investigations Department said:

“Paddon’s conduct over this period of time has understandably caused the victim considerable distress and anguish.

“Controlling coercive behaviour is an isolating and distressing crime and can have a devastating effect on those who experience it.

“We take every report of this nature extremely seriously and I hope this sentence gives people the confidence to come forward knowing that you will be supported.

“We would urge anyone who is the victim of harassment, stalking or controlling behaviour to report it to us, don’t suffer in silence.

“We recognise that not everyone will have the confidence to do so immediately. We are here for you and will listen, but if you don’t want to speak to a police officer, there are independent support services out there that can give you the help you need.”

For more information about how you can seek independent support, and the ways in which you can report domestic abuse, visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

You can also report abuse to police by calling 101. In the event of an emergency or if someone is in danger, dial 999.