A man who subjected his partner to a campaign of abuse during which he broke her arm has been jailed after a court ruled his sentence was unduly lenient.
Luke Pollard was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence at Nottingham Crown Court in June after admitting causing grievous bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour.
The force then referred the case to the Attorney General and after a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London on Wednesday 26 November, the court agreed that the sentence was unduly lenient and instead imposed a two-year prison sentence.
The 33-year-old had assaulted the woman on a regular basis, threatened to kill her and controlled her life.
He alienated her from her family and friends and set rules she had to follow.
The abuse was reported to police after she suffered a broken arm following an assault at their home in October 2022 when he pushed and punched her. When she fell to the floor, he continued assaulting her leaving her with severe bruising to her arms and back, a broken arm and cuts and grazes to her face and head.
Pollard, of Meadow Court, Grassmoor, was not present at the hearing but handed himself into police afterwards and is now serving his sentence.
Detective Sergeant Michael Verdi, who led the investigation, said: “Pollard’s actions meant this woman suffered years of hell and wasn’t able to live her life how she wanted.
“She was constantly in fear and I know that she will still be dealing with the effects of his behaviour towards her for some time to come.
“She has shown incredible courage and strength in standing up against her abuser and ensuring he is brought to justice for these crimes. I’d like to thank her for her support throughout this case and hope she is now looking forward to a brighter future, free of this abuse.
“I am really pleased that the Court of Appeal agreed with our view that the initial sentence handed out to Pollard was unduly lenient and that he will now be spending some time in prison for these offences.”
Domestic abuse can affect both women and men and can occur in same sex relationships. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.
It can be repeated, random or habitual, and is used to control a partner.
The following organisations offer support to survivors of domestic abuse within Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire Police is part of the Make Yourself Heard Campaign, which aims to show people how they can report an emergency when it is not safe to speak.
Dialling 55 after calling 999 takes you through to a silent call service, whereby call handlers will give you specific directions on how to report your emergency.
Support is also available via the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – run by Refuge – on 0808 2000 247 and online at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Police Silent Solution: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/research-learning/Silent_solution_guide.pdf
For more information about Domestic Abuse please read this supporting survivors of domestic abuse page.
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Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid website
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid provides an extensive range of services for women, young people and children.
Newark Women’s Aid provides safe accommodation, with associated support services, for women with or without children, who are living with or have experienced any form of physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse. Tel: 01636 679687
The UK’s only registered charity arranging Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders & Occupation Orders
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse.
It offers emotional support, practical advice and information on a wide range of services for further help and support.
Juno’s 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline offers support to women, teenage girls and children who have been affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
Tel: 0808 800 0340
Email: enquiries@junowomensaid.org.uk
Deaf and hearing-impaired women can access the Helpline by:
Text Relay/NGT: 18001 0808 800 0340 24 hours a day
Email: helpline@junowomensaid.org.uk daily, 9am – 9pm
Equation: Domestic abuse support for men
Equation provide a free helpline for men which is available Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
A 24/7 confidential answerphone service is also available.
Call: 0115 960 5556
Email: helpline@equation.org.uk
Nottinghamshire Alliance Against Violence
Make a stand against violence. ‘Like’ our Alliance Against Violence Facebook page
Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service website
NIDAS is a registered charity, formerly known as Mansfield and Ashfield Women’s Aid.
Its aim is to help people experiencing domestic abuse.
They work hard with other agencies to raise awareness of domestic abus
Karma Nirvana is a registered charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
A free to download app providing support and information to those affected by Domestic Abuse, available in 5 languages, has a unique directory of support services and links of further resources including a journal which you can record incidents.
Safeguarding people- a simple shake or tap activates Hollie guard, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones.
Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP)
BWP are here to help women living in the Borough of Broxtowe who are experiencing domestic abuse.We provide a confidential helpline, outreach service, training courses and drop in sessions, all aimed at empowering women and to help them survive domestic abuse.
Find out more about our services below.
Call us if you need our help on 01773 719 111 or email enquiries@broxtowewp.org
