Lee Mallett jailed for controlling his partner in Norwich

Lee Mallett, of Newbegin Road, Norwich, was found guilty of two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour by a jury at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old was arrested on October 5 last year after the victim’s mother called police.

The woman disclosed that during her relationship with Mallett, which lasted for a few months, he stopped her from leaving the house, made intimate videos which he threatened to put on the internet and controlled all aspects of her life.

The victim was prevented from contacting her family, told not to swallow her saliva and was strangled with both hands to the point she could not breathe.

While on bail for these offences, Mallett breached his conditions by contacting the victim and was further arrested.

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His behaviour was said to have had a serious impact on the victim, affecting her usual day-to-day activities and causing her to lose a lot of weight.

Recorder Richard Conley said Mallett showed no remorse or care for his actions, describing it as one of the worst offences of domestic violence he had come across, save for those ending in death, due to the degree of emotional control.

He said: “It would take a considerable amount of time to summarise everything physical and emotional that you did or put upon her through your brief relationship.

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“You’ve shown a persistent action over a prolonged period. It was insidious and calculated behaviour. You were a Jekyll and Hyde character.”

Detective Constable Sarah Tonge, who led the investigation, said: “The offence of controlling and coercive behaviour has had such a devastating impact on the victim and I commend her for her bravery in this case."

After a seven-day trial, Mallett has been imprisoned for 45 months and handed a 10-year restraining order.