Southampton Man Jailed for Brutal Stalking and Abuse
Lloyd Rooke, 33, from West End, Southampton, has been locked up for 30 months. He was also slapped with a seven-year restraining order after being found guilty of controlling, coercive behaviour and stalking without violence at Southampton Crown Court on 9 December.
Horrific Abuse Behind Closed Doors
The nightmare began in August 2020 at a Woolston address. During their relationship, Rooke battered his victim repeatedly. He kicked her, stamped on her, threw a phone at her, whipped her with a metal coat hanger, dunked her head in bath water, and even threatened to kill her.
In a chilling twist, Rooke gaslighted her, denying the abuse so convincingly she kept phone notes as proof. He twisted her mind further, blaming her for his mental health issues and threatening self-harm whenever she tried to leave.
Relentless Stalking After Arrest
Despite bail conditions forbidding contact, Rooke broke the rules multiple times. He turned up uninvited, bombarded her with texts, and taunted her on social media. On 29 April, he followed her to work, rammed her car, and threatened to crash into her workplace, braking at the last second repeatedly.
His victim revealed the devastating impact: “There was always something in my head that made me not want to do it; I knew it was the wrong thing to do.” She even planned suicide, trapped in his toxic grip.
Victim Finds Freedom and Strength
Now safe and surrounded by ‘amazing’ family and friends, she said, “Now I feel free, I feel safe, I know no-one is going to get me or is watching me.”
“Even though I have a lot more to do to get better, I know I’m strong and I will get through it because I do not need him and never have needed him. It feels as if I can see again.”
Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: “I commend the survivor for her bravery. Her story shows the devastating effects of domestic abuse and the strength it takes to break free.”
“Male violence towards women has no place in our society. This sentence sends a clear message: abusers like Rooke will be behind bars and unable to harm another woman.”
