A FORMER partner whose behaviour made his ex-girlfriend seek hospital treatment has been jailed.

Samuel Joseph Spence, 20, tracked the woman using an app on her phone, treated her as a sex toy and changed her personality, said Matthew Collins, prosecuting.

In one 12-hour period, he sent her 200 messages, and accused her wrongly of having another sexual partner.

He made an allegation about her that “made her feel unwell, even to having to attend hospital recently,” said Mr Collins.

After she told police what he had done to her and while she was pregnant, he threatened to kill himself to try and get her to drop the case. But the case went ahead.

Spence, of Langholme Drive, Acomb, pleaded guilty to coercive behaviour and witness intimidation.

“This bubbly woman who loved life was reduced to a shell,” said Judge Simon Hickey.

He jailed Spence for 20 months for the way he had treated the woman and added two months for witness intimidation.

“Anyone that tries to intimidate a witness must expect it to be an immediate custodial sentence,” he said.

Spence was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order banning him from contacting the woman in any way or going within 50 metres of her home.

He did not contest the order.

For him, Caroline Abraham said: “He has a distorted view of relationships that may have resulted from his childhood”.

Spence was immature and had issues with substance abuse which he was addressing.

He also hoped to have an apprenticeship with Network Rail in future.

Mr Collins said the relationship between Spence and the woman broke down when her mother found out what was happening to her.

Spence told the woman he had changed and the couple got back together.

But he hadn’t changed and the controlling and coercive behaviour had continued.

  • Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) are a York-based local domestic abuse service supporting anyone affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. If your partner or a family member does or says things to hurt or harm you, Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) can help. They can be contacted on 03000 110 110, by email info@idas.org.uk or by visiting their website www.idas.org.uk. In an emergency dial 999.

If you are worried that you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse you can call IDAS’ helpline on 03000 110 110 or email info@idas.org.uk.