Devon man jailed for strangling ex-partner

Lee Blatchford has been jailed for nearly three years for his controlling and violent behaviour

A man has been jailed for a campaign of violent and controlling behaviour towards his former partner, police have said.

Lee Blatchford, from Plymouth, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court for what was supposed to be his trial on Tuesday, but instead entered guilty pleas to five charges.

Devon and Cornwall Police said Blatchford admitted controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, perverting the course of justice, assault by beating and two intentional strangulation charges.

He was sentenced to two years and 11 months in prison and a restraining order was put in place to protect the victim.

Prevented from seeing doctor

During sentencing, the court heard Blatchford and the victim had been in a relationship for a year, but within six months he "became increasingly paranoid and controlling, as well as physically violent", police said.

The victim was prevented from speaking to her children and often locked in the house.

Blatchford also took her bank card, withdrew her money, leaving her in debt, and she had to keep her phone in his view and allow him to examine her messages.

She was also prevented from seeing a doctor when she had medical issues.

'Struggled to breathe'

The court heard how the relationship ended in March 2024 and, when the victim went to collect her belongings, Blatchford was "threatening and abusive" and she was strangled until the point she "struggled to breathe".

He also dragged her back into the property whenever she tried to leave.

Blatchford also perverted the course of justice when he made calls from prison asking others to contact the victim in an effort to make her drop the case, police said.

Insp Christopher Kinski, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the victim showed "bravery" disclosing the abuse she suffered and he hoped the court case would "allow her to be able move forward in her life".

He added: "I hope this sends out a clear message to the public that domestic violence will not be tolerated.

"If it is reported, we will investigate these offences fully and ensure those perpetrators are held accountable for their actions."