Folkestone Man Jailed for Brutal Assaults After Denying Abuse Claims
A Folkestone man who tried to blame his ex-partner’s injuries on play fighting and a bike fall has been locked up for five years. Lance Colston, 34, of Marine Parade, faced a four-day trial at Canterbury Crown Court starting 2 July 2018. He denied coercive control, three assaults, and two counts of criminal damage. But the jury found him guilty on all six charges.
Five-Year Sentence for Violent Abuse
Recorder Edmund Burge handed down the five-year prison term on Friday 6 July 2018. The victim reported the attacks to Folkestone Police Station on 13 November 2017, showing bruises all over her body.
She said the abuse began in October 2017 when Colston head-butted her, slamming her against a wall. On 24 October, he grabbed her by the throat, pinned her, and head-butted her again. He smashed dishes on the kitchen counter and hurled her mobile phone at her, breaking it before punching her in the face.
Rampage After Money Row
The most savage attack came on 10 November 2017. Colston demanded she transfer money into his account. When she refused, he verbally abused her and repeatedly punched and kicked her as she curled up on the sofa, leaving serious bruises.
She went to the police the following Monday while Colston was out. He was arrested the next day.
Home Ransacked in Furious Vandal Spree
When the victim returned, the flat had been trashed. Bannisters were broken, kitchen appliances smashed, and shattered glass littered the floor. TVs were knocked over and broken, a gaming console destroyed, and an oily substance smeared across plug sockets.
PC Jamie Schofield, who investigated, said: “Colston became more paranoid, jealous, and abusive during their relationship. He controlled her texts, monitored how long she spent outside, and accused her of cheating if she was late. He dictated what she wore and forced her to hand over money.”
Denials Fall Flat Against Evidence
Despite admitting jealousy in police interviews, Colston denied all charges. When shown photos of the victim’s injuries, he claimed they came from play fighting or falling off a bike. He blamed a dog for knocking over a TV but offered no explanation for the other damage.
PC Schofield urged victims of domestic abuse:
“Victims may feel frightened, isolated and ashamed but they are not to blame and should never suffer in silence. I hope Colston’s five-year sentence sends a strong message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.”
