Man jailed after recordings reveal decade of abuse

Craig Watson was jailed for 26 months for a catalogue of coercive behaviour lasting a decade, police said

A man has been jailed after secret recordings made by his victim detailed his violent and threatening behaviour.

Craig Watson, 42 of Coldham's Lane, Cambridge, made his victim's life a misery for almost a decade by repeatedly beating and verbally abusing her, Cambridgeshire Police said.

Police were called to his home following his latest attack on 7 December.

Watson admitted two counts of engaging in controlling coercive behaviour and common assault in a Crown Court sitting at Peterborough Magistrates' Court.

He was handed a jail term of 26 months.

'Huge impact'

The victim told police after Watson's arrest that the abuse had taken place since 2014 and she produced a series of audio recordings she had gathered.

In them Watson was heard threatening to "rip her head off" and the victim could be heard screaming in pain as she was beaten.

Watson could also be heard admitting to abuse, and that he “should be in a police cell”.

Police said there were other documented incidents where Watson had spat at his victim, called her vile names, pulled her hair, ridiculed her job, and told her that what she ate was “his food”.

Det Con Alex Galan-Tarachiu praised the victim's bravery in coming forward, adding: "This case highlights that coercive and controlling behaviour is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.

"This type of domestic abuse can have a huge impact on victims: they can suffer from the threat and fear of injury, daily intimidation and having every aspect of their life monitored and controlled."