Waterlooville Man Jailed for Coercive Abuse and Knife Threat
A 30-year-old man from Waterlooville has been locked up for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour against a woman in Havant.
Liam Stratford’s Shocking Crimes Revealed
Liam David Stratford, of Avondale Road, admitted several serious offences at Portsmouth Crown Court on December 18, 2023:
- Controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship from November 30, 2022, to July 3, 2023
- Possession of a blade or sharp object in public
- Criminal damage
- Perverting the course of justice
He was sentenced at the same court on Friday, February 2.
Victim’s Brave Stand Against Abuse
The 29-year-old woman contacted police on July 9, 2023, after ending the abusive relationship. She reported serious distress caused by Stratford’s behaviour, including violence, threats, demands to access her phone, threats of self-harm, financial exploitation, social isolation, and constant monitoring.
In a terrifying April 2023 incident, Stratford seized the victim’s phone, grabbed a kitchen knife, and forced her to drive to a shop in Cosham while brandishing the blade. Once inside, he pocketed the knife, continuing the intimidation.
Police Speak Out on Domestic Abuse
After hearing the charges, Stratford tried to get someone to convince the victim to drop them. A detention officer overheard his phone call request.
“The courage of this young woman to stand up to her abuser and report his coercive and controlling behaviour is a positive example that perpetrators will face serious consequences for their actions,” said DC Vivian Schram, the investigating officer.
“Her powerful victim impact statement revealed the severe emotional toll, not only on her but also on her family. She described living in constant fear and anxiety, struggling even to go out with her three-year-old daughter. She pleaded for the harassment to stop so she could rebuild her life and find peace.”
“Domestic abuse leaves lifelong scars, both physical and emotional. We will not tolerate it and are committed to supporting victims with specialist services. If you are suffering in silence, please reach out—you will be heard and helped.”
