Violent domestic abuser “grabbed woman by throat and stamped on her chest”

A Wolverhampton thug who used horrific violence and coercive behaviour against his partner has been finally jailed for his string of crimes against the poor victim.

Paul Woodward, 35, was known to police for previous offences and officers were alerted to his appalling crimes when paying a routine visit to his home in Shelley Road, Wolverhampton in May 2021.

During the police visit to the property officers discovered the toxic relationship and Woodward was ordered to leave after he had had an argument with his partner.

In his absence, his traumatised and frightened partner revealed that she had been subjected to violent outbursts and coercive behaviour on a daily basis by Woodward.

Woodward’s long list of cruelty included not letting his victim use her mobile phone without him being present to monitor her calls.

His mental and psychological cruelty extended to preventing the woman from having contact with her family. He denied her privacy and would not allow her to stay home on her own, and would make her attend his work with him.

Shockingly, he also denied his victim permission go to the bathroom on her own.

The woman also described the terrifying moment when Woodward stamped on her chest and grabbed her by the throat, causing bruising in both areas.

The abuse escalated to the point that she jumped from a moving car she was travelling with Woodward in, leaving her injured.

Rather than taking her to hospital for treatment, the cold and callous Woodward simply drove her home.

Woodward was found guilty of causing actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship. He was jailed for four years and four months for his offences at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday (1 February).

PC Wayne Harris, said: “Paul Woodward was a manipulative, domineering and violent individual, whose pattern of coercive and abusive behaviour towards his partner left her traumatised, living in fear for her safety and feeling isolated after being cut off from her family and friends.

“But she was determined to escape from this toxic relationship and, in doing so, hopes that others in a similar situation will likewise come forward and speak out. Woodward ultimately failed to control her and thanks to her courage he has now been justly punished for his actions.”