Three year jail sentence for Coercive and Controlling Boyfriend

In January 2019 following a 15 day trial at Harrow Crown Court, Reece Penkert, 20, was found guilty of one count of coercive control between 1st January 2017 and 17th August 2018 and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his girlfriend of two years.

During the trial, Penkert’s girlfriend described the relationship as starting well, but after just 3 months, Penkert began to control her. He stopped her from wearing T-shirt’s and skirts and he would constantly accuse her of cheating on him.

Penkert monitored his girlfriend all the time by isolating her from her family and friends and confiscating her mobile phone. Penkert also ordered her to delete all of her social media accounts, reducing her ability to access the support she needed.

The abuse and violence continued throughout their relationship, even when Penkert learned that his girlfriend was pregnant. His actions and control became so obsessive that when his girlfriend eventually went into labour, Penkert would not allow a Doctor to initially examine her.

Emma Harris from the Crown Prosecution Service said, “Having suffered months of isolation and emotional and physical abuse, the victim showed immense bravery by giving evidence during the trial, and I would like to thank her for the courage she has shown.”

“I hope today’s sentence provides some comfort to the victim and shows the CPS’s commitment to prosecuting cases of domestic abuse.”

At Harrow Crown Court on the 8th March 2019, Penkert was sentenced to three years imprisonment and the court also granted a restraining order to be made against him; banning him from contacting the victim.

If you would like to speak with a member of our Family team then please call us on 08000 147720, send us an email or text LAW to 67777 to book a free information session at any of our offices across Yorkshire. We also offer early morning and late evening appointments across our offices.