A Norwich man has been jailed for a campaign of coercive abuse that made his victim fear for her life.
Suresh Nageswaran, 41, of Upper King Street, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court today (June 26), after being found guilty in April of controlling and coercive behaviour, intentional strangulation, assault by beating and perverting the course of justice.
The court heard how Nageswaran subjected his victim to years of physical and emotional abuse.
He assaulted the woman while she was pregnant and at one point choked her, leading her to believe she would die.
When she reported the abuse to police in March last year, Nageswaran continued to manipulate her, pressuring her to withdraw her complaint.
In a statement read in court, the woman described how she was gradually isolated from friends and family while being belittled and criticised daily.
"Before this relationship I was a confident and independent person with a successful career, clear goals and strong sense of self," she said.
"Over time that was gradually taken away from me.
"I was walking on eggshells every single day."
Reflecting on the assault, she said: "I felt terrified and feared for my life in a way I had never experienced before."
The court heard how the woman continues to struggle with the impact of the abuse and is working to rebuild her life.
Following sentencing, Detective Constable Chantelle Edwards praised the survivor’s courage.
"This was a distressing case involving sustained physical violence and coercive control and I commend the woman for her strength in supporting this investigation," said DC Edwards.
"The fact Nageswaran denied any wrongdoing and forced the woman through a trial was another form of control over her, forcing her to relive traumatic experiences.
"Controlling and coercive behaviour is used to exert power and control over another person's daily life."
Nageswaran was sentenced to six years in prison.
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