An abusive man who banned his partner from wearing makeup, blocked her calls and threatened to kill her relatives, has been jailed.
Nathan Bishop subjected his victim to repeated mental and emotional abuse after moving into her home uninvited and taking control of everything she did shortly after their relationship started.
The 28-year-old from East Malling in Kent took control of her finances, leaving her in debt, shortly after he moved in.
He then banned her from putting on makeup and insisted on choosing what clothes she wore when they went out.
Fearing Bishop might become violent if she failed to comply with his sadistic rules, she started finding ways around them.
The victim started using a secret code to let friends and family know she was free to talk, as he would block callers he didn’t like or approve.
Investigating officer DC Ben Broad said: “People like Bishop make victims’ lives a misery.
“He has used fear and threats of violence to exert control over almost every aspect of her life.”
During Bishop’s reign of terror, which lasted from 1 March to 9 September 2019, his victim tried to break off their relationship.
But he continued to harass and stalk her, showing up uninvited and flooding her phone with messages.
Bishop threatened to kill his victim’s relatives after the abuse was reported to police in July 2019.
He was arrested on 8 September and later charged with coercive or controlling behaviour in an intimate relationship and six breaches of a non-molestation order.
DC Broad said: “Even after the victim tried to end their relationship Bishop continued to harass and stalk her, repeatedly turning up uninvited at her home and sending persistent messages to her phone.
“I’m pleased the courts have passed a custodial sentence and I would like to thank the victim who has bravely assisted our investigation and helped ensure Bishop has been brought to justice.”
Bishop was sentenced to 20 months’ in jail and is subject to a ten year restraining order after he pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on 26 November 2020.
DC broad said: “Domestic abuse is a priority for Kent Police and I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation or relationship to report it to someone and get help.
“There is a range of support and information available, just phone us or ask a trusted friend or relative to do it.
“Nobody should feel they don’t have the option to walk away from domestic abuse.”
