Peterborough Man Jailed for Two Years Over Horrific Wife Abuse
Murtaza Syed, 47, has been locked up for two and a half years at Peterborough Crown Court. He abused his wife for two long years, treating her like a prisoner in their own home. Syed’s coercive control humiliated and degraded her daily.
Twisted Control and Brutal Attacks
The Peterborough man stopped his wife from closing the bathroom door, searched her body for signs of cheating, and banned her from owning a phone or any electronics. He forced her to take a lie detector test and physically assaulted her. Syed even barred her from leaving the house without him.
Cambridgeshire Police were alerted when the woman finally escaped and contacted them on February 23. She reported years of mental and physical abuse, including a recent attack where Syed threw a lighter at her eye and punched her repeatedly in the head.
Denied Everything, Caught and Convicted
Syed was arrested in the early hours of February 23. During questioning, his wife detailed the torment she endured. She revealed she hadn’t had a phone for two years after Syed smashed hers and refused to replace it. He also kept changing the passwords and PINs to devices at home, isolating her from help.
Despite the evidence, Syed denied all charges and claimed his wife made it up. He admitted making her take a lie detector test, which she passed. Eventually, he pleaded guilty to coercive control and causing actual bodily harm.
Justice Served and Help for Victims
On July 11, Syed was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. An indefinite restraining order prevents him from contacting his victim. Detective Sergeant Louis Scott said, “The impact of Syed’s behaviour on his wife shouldn’t be underestimated; she was left feeling helpless and like a prisoner in her own home. No person should have to suffer this kind of abuse.”
Scott added, “Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Victims suffer daily intimidation and control. Coercive control is a criminal offence, and we take all reports very seriously.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, contact the police or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
