A Warminster man has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison for a series of domestic abuse offences, including controlling and coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), and possession of a Class B drug.

Owen Coombs, 23, of Kings Court, Warminster, was sentenced at Swindon Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 3rd, after the court heard details of his abusive actions. Coombs was also issued with a five-year restraining order.

The offences relate to an incident on August 26, 2024, when Coombs’ victim reported a theft following a verbal argument. During the altercation, Coombs grabbed the victim through a window and punched her in the face.

Coombs received a sentence of two years in prison for coercive and controlling behaviour, with an additional four months for ABH, which will run consecutively. He also received one month for battery, which will run concurrently. Coombs was not given a separate penalty for possession of a Class B drug.

Local Crime Investigator Amanda Southey commended the bravery of the victim, stating, “Coercive control has a significant impact on a person and often causes long-term adverse effects on their emotional well-being. This can make it harder for a victim to come forward, and I would like to thank the victim for their bravery in assisting our investigation.

Southey added that without the victim’s courage in reporting the incidents to police, it would have been difficult to secure the sentence against Coombs.

Wiltshire Police urged anyone experiencing domestic abuse to reach out for support, with crime reports being accepted via their website or by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

For more information on how to report domestic abuse or to seek support, visit Wiltshire Police’s domestic abuse advice page.