Domestic abuse left woman 'emotionally devastated'

Shamar Guthrie-Ellis was jailed for four years

A man who assaulted and subjected two women to coercive and controlling behaviour has been issued with Greater Manchester's first indefinite domestic abuse protection order (DAPO).

Shamar Guthrie-Ellis was also jailed for four years when he was sentenced on Friday at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the 22-year-old, from Ayres Road in Old Trafford, was prosecuted following a complex investigation involving two of its districts' domestic violence teams.

One of Guthrie-Ellis's victims was thanked by police for being "incredibly brave" in coming forward to report the abuse she had endured.

In her victim impact statement, she said Guthrie-Ellis's behaviour had left her "emotionally devastated".

She explained: "I struggled to communicate what I was going through with my colleagues, leading to frequent unauthorised absences. Frequent sick days ultimately resulted in my termination.

"I used to be a popular and sociable person before this relationship, however over time I began to distance myself from my friends and family, to try and avoid further arguments with Shamar due to his jealous tendencies, and to avoid them seeing me with physical injuries caused by Shamar."

'Extremely brave'

GMP said the DAPO issued to Guthrie-Ellis was intended to help safeguard the victim.

The force said such cases highlighted the importance of the Mayor of Greater Manchester's IsThisOk? campaign aimed at increasing awareness of coercive control.

Guthrie-Ellis also pleaded guilty to assaulting a female police officer by kicking her and causing her hand to bleed as she tried to arrest him.

A force spokesperson said his decision to only plead guilty on the first day of his trial had "very likely [been] aimed at attempting to remain in control over his victims".

The court heard that GMP's investigation began in March 2024, after the first victim courageously reported the physical and psychological abuse she had experienced during a relationship with Guthrie-Ellis between 2021 and 2022.

This included him going through her phone without permission, controlling who she could speak to or be friends with on social media, isolating her from friends and colleagues, and causing her numerous injuries, some of which required hospital treatment and even surgery.

Phones seized

While Guthrie-Ellis was on bail for offences against the first victim, police were tipped off by a member of the public who alerted officers to an incident between Guthrie-Ellis and another woman.

This led detectives to become aware of similar patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour.

After several of Guthrie Ellis's phones were seized and analysed, it became clear that he had used controlling behaviour towards a second victim.

This included monitoring her location and making threats of violence.

Trafford-based PC Hannah Colwell, who dealt with the offences committed against the first victim, said they were "incredibly brave".

"We know she was concerned that the time lapsed since the offending may mean action couldn't be taken, but these convictions and sentence prove undoubtedly that we are still committed to seeking justice for victims, no matter the time passed.

"I am pleased that an indefinite DAPO upon conviction has also been secured, which helps to safeguard the victim even after the case has now concluded, preventing Guthrie-Ellis from contacting her without punishment."