A controlling Peterborough man who forced his girlfriend to take pregnancy tests to prove she hadn’t cheated on him has been jailed.
Shace Whittlesey, 45, of Swanspool, Ravensthorpe, subjected his partner to two years of emotional and physical abuse, accusing her repeatedly of infidelity and isolating her from loved ones.
He routinely checked her phone — including her health apps, bank accounts and social media — and would confiscate it for hours to stop her contacting friends or family.
The abuse came to light on 12 January when police were called to a reported fight in Wisbech. When officers arrived, they found Whittlesey’s partner with a bruised face — and no sign of Whittlesey. She told officers he had attacked her four days earlier after accusing her of cheating.
Police moved the victim to a safe location, but when she briefly returned to Cambridgeshire on 18 January, Whittlesey met up with her, breaching his bail conditions. He was arrested soon after.
In September, Whittlesey was found guilty of threats to kill, controlling and coercive behaviour, and intentional strangulation. He had earlier pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH).
At Cambridge Crown Court last Friday (31 October), he was sentenced to five years and three months in prison and handed a restraining order.
Investigating officer PC Robyn Mayson said: “Whittlesey behaved despicably as he subjected the victim to his campaign of abuse.
“As well as the physical trauma, his actions have had a significant detrimental impact on her life throughout the relationship.
“I hope the sentence will give the victim some sense of justice as she starts to rebuild her life.”
Anyone worried about a partner’s abusive behaviour, or concerned about someone else, can seek advice through the Clare’s Law scheme via the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website.
