A CONTROLLING man has been handed a community order and a restraining order after being convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Terry Johnson, 31, of Burton Crescent, Weobley, pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.

He originally pleaded not guilty, but changed his mind and admitted the offences at a hearing at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on April 24.

He was sentenced to a community order of 140 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation activities and a five-year restraining order against his victim.

He must also pay £100 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

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Johnson’s conviction follows a five-month period of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his victim. This included repeatedly calling her, turning up at her home address uninvited, and verbally and physically assaulting her. The court heard that this had a serious effect on the victim, and that the defendant knew, or ought to have known, that his actions would affect her.

Speaking previously on instances of assault between partners, police constable Ryan Clarke, of West Mercia Police, has said: “We pro-actively tackle this type of behaviour and prosecute offenders who perpetrate this vile crime. Police are always here to support victims of crime.”

Police encourage those who are victims of violence at the hands of their partners to contact 101 or 999 in an emergency.