Man who manipulated ex-partner jailed for 17 years

Jason Higgins set up a camera in his victim's bedroom

A man who controlled and manipulated a former partner has been sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Jason Higgins, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire was previously found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour, two counts of rape and one count of assault following a trial at Huntingdon Crown Court in October last year.

At the same court Judge Bal Dhaliwal-Thomas described the 38-year-old as "dangerous" as she handed down the extended sentence alongside a 20-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his victim.

Hertfordshire Police said the victim had been in a relationship with Higgins where she was told what to wear, how to interact with people and demanded she be always available on the phone.

'Every corner of her life'

The force described an incident on 6 April where Higgins threw the woman to the floor and kicked her while she was asleep.

When the victim attempted to break up with him Higgins bombarded her with calls and texts telling her to turn her location back on. He also threatened to harm both her and himself, according to police.

The judge said to Higgins: "You manipulated her, told her what to wear told her what she could and could not do, and what clothes she could wear.

"You monitored her, you restricted her movements; you even set up a camera in the bedroom so you could watch her through the night."

Det Con Sue Holmes added: "The victim is relieved to know Higgins is safely behind bars and no longer able to be in every corner of her life. 

"However, the impact of his actions will stay with her for the rest of her life."