James Nash
Controlling and coercive behaviour *
Sentence
2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years
James Nash, 40, of Marlborough, controlled his ex-partner between October 1, 2022, and February 1, 2024, by repeatedly checking her phone, calling her obsessively at work, turning up unannounced at her workplace, demanding proof of her whereabouts and companions, accusing her of cheating, forcing her to enable live location sharing on her phone, dictating who she could and couldn’t speak to, and taking control of the key to her property. This behaviour left her feeling frightened, helpless, and trapped, impacting her confidence and daily life, and she required counselling as a result.
Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour. Required to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, attend up to 26 sessions in a rehabilitation programme, and subject to a restraining order for five years. The judge described the behaviour as serious, substantial abuse.