A 45-YEAR-OLD man from Barry has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against his former partner.
Lee Winmill, of Cadoxton, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court, where details were given about how the mechanic made his partner’s life “a living nightmare” and that he “played games with her”.
The court was told Winmill would isolate the victim from her family and friends, dictated who she was allowed to see, inspected her personal belongings, accused her of being unfaithful and was verbally aggressive.
Used technology to eavesdrop
Prosecutor Owen Williams told the court how Winmill would use technology to eavesdrop on her between December 2023 and July 2024, and that over time, she stopped doing the things she enjoyed: “Security cameras were fitted so that he could monitor her movements to and from the house.
“She felt that she was unable to go anywhere with her friends and family or have them at the house.”
Winmill would monitor the security cameras to track her movements, and would say, “I can see your car is out the front, why aren’t you answering?”
When the victim conversed with their neighbours, he would listen in and sometimes interrupt using a speaker, saying he could hear what was being said.
Winmill would accuse her of being unfaithful and became jealous when she was in the company of other men. While workmen were at the house, he said: “Why have you got to be in the house with them? Why are you speaking to them?”
Underwear in laundry basket
There were times when Winmill would go through the laundry basket, confront the victim with her underwear, and would accuse her of being unfaithful. This led her to stop being intimate with him.
After an argument in July 2024, the victim said she slept on the sofa but upon waking up, Winmill accused her of “moaning” and of “having sex in her sleep”.
Following this incident, she ended the relationship with Winmill and asked him to leave the house. Winmill turned up at the house shortly afterwards, went up to the bathroom where she was showering and banged on the door, shouting “You’re a f****** liar”.
Unwanted calls and texts
Winmill went on to bombard her with unwanted calls and texts, which led to him being spoken to by the police, but undeterred, he would park outside her house for hours at a time.
Reading out the victim’s impact statement, Mr Williams said: “It was a living nightmare, especially within the first months of us separating. I was unable to sleep, heard noises and thought he was outside my home. I never slept in my own room as I was scared he would try to gain access to my home.
“Due to him not accepting the relationship was over, I am unable and still unable to leave my home alone as he moved to a hostel close to my house and when he sees me outside, he approaches me. I had to change habits of where I go and where I shop out of fear he will see me.
“I had suicidal thoughts and made contact with my GP. I have medication to help me sleep and became a shell of my former self. I wasn’t eating and my mind was worn down, thinking was difficult.
“In the relationship, it didn’t take long to find myself isolated and I saw less and less of my friends… Being in a relationship with Lee became a prison. It made me feel lonely, isolated from friends and family. His behaviour made me want to end my own life.”
Previously of good character
The court heard that Winmill was previously of good character. Adam Sharp, representing Winmill said his client had six sons and grandchildren from a previous relationship, that he worked as a qualified mechanic and was now in a new relationship. Mr Sharp added: “It is an unpleasant offence, and his best mitigation is his guilty plea.
“Secondly, he has no previous convictions and this was out of character.”
Passing sentence, Judge Daniel Williams said the defendant’s behaviour “gradually erodes autonomy and one’s sense of self, that is what it is designed to do.”
Addressing Winmill, he said: “You would eavesdrop on her conversations. You accused her of cheating on you with other men. She said you were always playing mind games with her.”
Winmill was given a prison sentence of nine months, suspended for 18 months, after Judge Williams said he believed there was “a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”
He must also carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity. The defendant was made the subject of an eight-year restraining order forbidding him from contacting the victim, and he was also ordered to pay £500 costs and a £187 victim surcharge.
News, Letters, Sport and advertising are welcomed by the Glamorgan Star – the largest newspaper or magazine in the Vale of Glamorgan. Contact us today here.
.
- Defence solicitor bought cocaine from client
- Trio are sentenced over ‘drugs in prison’ plot
- Man found guilty of murdering his wife
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
