A MAN from Cumbria described as disgraceful has been sentenced for a new offence of controlling and coercive behaviour.

Dean Norris, aged 23, of Gray Street, Workington, has been sentenced today (5th October) after pleading guilty to ‘Controlling and Coercive Behaviour,’at West Cumbria Magistrates Court.

He was sentenced in relation to the following offences;

• Coercive and Controlling Behaviour against ex-partner

• Common Assault on ex-partner

• Common Assault on ex-partners young child

This is one of only a handful of convictions in the county for the new offence of Controlling and Coercive Behaviour.

Norris was sentenced to; 90 days in prison (suspended for 12 months), 20 day rehabilitation work, 40 hours unpaid work, £300 compensation to the victim, £200 costs, his phone to be destroyed, and a permanent restraining order to help protect his ex-partner.

District Judge Chalk said to Mr Norris: “You will get credit for a guilty plea and you are previously of good character. However you manipulated the victim and controlled her, you are disgraceful.” Detective Sergeant Jim Rooney, who led the investigation, said: “I am pleased with the sentence that District Judge Chalk gave to Mr Norris today, and agree that he is a disgraceful individual.

"He has subjected the victim and her daughter to a dreadful attack and controlled the victim in the most dreadful degrading way.

“The weight of evidence against him was so great that he had no option than to plead guilty and prevent the victim from any further torment.

“Cumbria Constabulary are committed to providing victims of crime with the support they need, and I would encourage anyone who finds themselves the victim of crime to come forward and report it.

"I can assure victims of domestic violence and controlling behaviour that they will be treated courteously and compassionately by specially trained officers.”