Medway Man Jailed for Controlling and Violent Abuse of Woman He Met Online

A Medway man, Liam Battelle, has been sentenced to two years and ten months in prison after subjecting a woman he met online to months of controlling and violent behaviour. Battelle, 31, who had previously been convicted of a sexual offence, met his victim through social media in early 2023 and quickly moved into her home, where his abusive behaviour soon escalated.
Upon pleading guilty at Maidstone Crown Court, Battelle was sentenced on October 24, 2024. He will also be subject to a seven-year restraining order upon his release.

Detective Constable Grant Miles-Wilson praised the victim’s courage in coming forward, saying, “This appalling man made his victim’s life a misery… The threats and regular violence caused a woman who was very close to her family to become distant and withdrawn. I hope she can move on with her life now he is safely behind bars.”