A STAPLE Hill man who subjected seven women to “a domestic reign of terror” has been jailed.
Police say Joshua Kelly “love-bombed” his victims with attention when they first met, before quickly becoming aggressive and controlling.
He had ‘overlapping’ relationships with the women between 2020 and this year, moving into their homes and trying to “control their every move”.
Kelly, aged 23, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison by a judge at Bristol Crown Court at the end of June, police said, after pleading guilty to charges of controlling and coercive behaviour towards all seven women.
He was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order to stop him contacting his victims, who are aged between 20 and 24.
Detective Constable Matilda Dowsing, who led the police investigation, said that after initially befriending and “love-bombing” his victims, Kelly would change within a few weeks, restricting the women from socialising and accusing them of being unfaithful.
DC Dowsing said: “Kelly has been sentenced after subjecting not just one victim, but seven victims, to a domestic reign of terror.
“He constantly accused them of being unfaithful, when in fact it was him who was juggling relationships with the women.
“He has systematically controlled each of his victims and played one off against another.
“His victims have told us about how he has affected their lives, and some feel they will not be able to trust people again.
“I am grateful for the seven victims for coming forward and I hope they are proud that their courage to report what happened has led to Kelly being jailed; however, this conviction will never undo the trauma that he has caused.
“Controlling behaviour can be quite hard to measure, but that is the fundamental part – domestic abuse is about power.
“There is a role to play for many people, and we are trying to encourage people to be able to identify the signs.”
Police and charity Women’s Aid say signs someone may be in a controlling relationship can include:
• Being isolated from friends and family
• Being constantly criticised or belittled
• Having their time and online activity monitored
• Being threatened or intimidated
• Having conditions placed on what they can do and wear
• Being pressured to do things they don’t want to, including humiliating or degrading acts
• Having their finances controlled
• Being deprived of support such as medical help
• An excessively jealous partner
They are encouraging anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to report it by calling 101, going online or visiting a police station. People who feel they are in immediate danger should call 999.
Anyone who needs support is being advised to contact Somerset Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) on 0800 69 49 999 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.