A Medway man, Liam Battelle, has been sentenced to two years and ten months in prison after subjecting a woman he met online to months of controlling and violent behaviour. Battelle, 31, who had previously been convicted of a sexual offence, met his victim through social media in early 2023 and quickly moved into her home, where his abusive behaviour soon escalated.

According to police, Battelle displayed extreme jealousy, constantly accusing his partner of infidelity and requiring her to seek his permission for basic activities, such as using her phone. He monitored her calls, restricted her movements, and even forbade her from using the bathroom alone. In one of his most severe threats, Battelle warned he would throw acid in her face if she left him. His actions led the victim to become increasingly isolated from her family and friends, with physical assaults occurring throughout this period.

In addition to psychological and physical abuse, Battelle used the victim’s bank card for personal purchases and damaged her property. Following his arrest on July 11, he was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and two breaches of the sex offenders register, stemming from a 2019 conviction that required him to notify police of any change in residence within three days.

Upon pleading guilty at Maidstone Crown Court, Battelle was sentenced on October 24, 2024. He will also be subject to a seven-year restraining order upon his release.

Detective Constable Grant Miles-Wilson praised the victim’s courage in coming forward, saying, “This appalling man made his victim’s life a misery… The threats and regular violence caused a woman who was very close to her family to become distant and withdrawn. I hope she can move on with her life now he is safely behind bars.”