Domestic abuser from Cambridge stalked ex, breached restraining order and controlled girlfriend
A 48-year-old domestic abuser from Cambridge who stalked an ex-partner, breached a restraining order and coercively controlled his new girlfriend has been jailed. Timothy Smith, of Ditton Fields, began a relationship with his first victim in 2019 and almost immediately moved in with her, but within two months accused her of cheating on him. The woman later described the relationship as “toxic” and explained how alcohol was a factor in his behaviour.
Timothy Smith, 48, of Ditton Fields, Cambridge was jailed for domestic abuse offences
In early 2021, the woman ended the relationship but Smith began to stalk the woman, looking over her garden fences and through windows at her Cambridge home, constantly calling and texting her and turning up at a local pub where he knew she would be.
He was given a restraining order in January 2022 but ignored it. Between February and March 2023, he bombarded the woman with texts, Facebook requests and phone calls and visited her address, more than 10 miles from where he was living at the time. Meanwhile, he was coercively controlling his new partner.
Smith’s second victim told police that for two years between April 2021 and April this year, he was often violent after drinking, leading to a cycle of fear. She said if she was out or spoke to other people, it triggered his behaviour, making him paranoid and leading to him accusing her of sleeping with other men. The woman told police she changed her behaviour and daily habits since being in a relationship with Smith, who would not let her exercise unaccompanied and would make comments about other men being able to look at her.
She suffered growing isolation as Smith stopped her going out and socialising by demanding to know where she was. She even stopped speaking to members of her own family and told police she developed low self-esteem and lost her confidence. In March, when Smith believed that she looked at someone ‘the wrong way’, he grabbed her face by the jaw, causing bruising.
Smith was arrested for offences against both women but denied the crimes in police interview. However, he later pleaded guilty to charges including stalking, breaching a restraining order, assault by beating and coercive control. Smith was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on December 1,where he was sentenced to a total of two years and two months in prison.
Two restraining orders were made, both for 10 years, preventing Smith from contacting either of the two women in any way. Det Con Neil Patrick, who investigated, said: “Smith’s behaviour towards both women was nothing short of horrific. He thought he could continue to make his ex-girlfriend’s life a misery, but he was wrong.
“Alongside this, and at the same time, he made another woman live in fear and change her hobbies and behaviour. “Domestic abuse isn’t always just physical. Victims can also suffer from the threat and fear of injury, daily intimidation and having every aspect of their life monitored and controlled.
Coercive control is a criminal offence, and we take all reports of it very seriously. “I hope the sentence imposed provides both women with a sense of closure and gives Smith time to reflect on his actions. “We would strongly urge anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse, including stalking or harassment, to contact us or call the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.”
Cambridgeshire Constabulary supported the 16 days of Action campaign, calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
Visit the force’s dedicated web page[1] to report concerns or for more advice and support on domestic abuse, including coercive control.
References
- ^ dedicated web page (www.cambs.police.uk)