Peter Ellery
Controlling and coercive behaviour and stalking causing serious alarm or distress *
Sentence
2 years and 3 months imprisonment
Peter Ellery, aged 38, from Shenstone Road, Smethwick, controlled and manipulated his ex-girlfriend during their relationship by restricting who she spoke to, accusing her of cheating even when she went to the toilet at night, and threatening suicide if she ended it. After the breakup, he terrorised her with chilling threats, including 'I will make Raoul Moat look like a f***ing minor', referencing the 2010 gunman who shot his ex-girlfriend, killed her new partner, and injured a police officer before suicide. He sent messages claiming to watch her every move, even knowing how much toilet roll she used, showed her weapons, boasted about having guns, contacted her family to threaten to 'destroy' her life, and threatened to shoot everyone in her house. Despite arrest and a no-contact order, he continued sending vile texts, making her feel suffocated, scared, degraded, and worthless. He burnt their clothing, smashed the house, and repeatedly checked her phone.
Admitted controlling and coercive behaviour and stalking causing serious alarm or distress. Branded a 'narcissist' with low self-esteem by Judge Sarah Buckingham. Prior convictions for more than 50 offences taken into account. Restraining order imposed banning contact with ex-girlfriend.