Man gets eight years for coercion and child cruelty

Thomas Mann has been jailed for eight years for offences including child cruelty

A "brave" family has been praised by police after a 45-year-old man was jailed for eight years for offences including child cruelty.

Thomas Mann, of Nursery Road in Stanford-le-Hope, pleaded guilty to cruelty to a person under 16 and coercive and controlling behaviour at Lincoln Crown Court on Monday 19 February.

He had previously admitted to breaching a non-molestation order at a separate hearing.

The family told Lincolnshire Police “they want victims to know that you don’t need to stay silent and that police will listen”.

Mann’s crimes had a significant impact on his victim and their family, causing psychological, emotional and physical harm to those involved, police say.

The crimes took place over several years.

Impact on family

Det Con Kerry Munro, who was in charge of the case, said the family involved have been brave to come forward and speak up.

“This case has highlighted the huge impact that coercive and controlling behaviour and cruelty can have on a family," she said.

“Emotional and psychological harm can be, and is, as destructive as physical harm.

“Help is out there. Please pick up the phone, reach out and report this behaviour.”

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