Andrew Atkinson sentenced to two years in prison for assault and controlling and coercive behaviour

Merseyside Police has welcomed the sentencing of a man for controlling and coercive behaviour and assault at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday, 1 April. 

Andrew Atkinson, 22 of Monaghan Close, Liverpool was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to three assaults and controlling and coercive behaviour against two women between early 2017 and February 2019. He also received an indefinite restraining order against one of his victims.

Atkinson physically and emotionally abused the women on a number of occasions in various ways. He would ask them to send photographs of where they were, make accusations against them out of jealousy and put them down to make them feel insecure. His victims described how Atkinson would stop them from going places and even stop them wearing certain items of clothing.

Detective Constable Anna Skelton said: “The sentencing of Atkinson today sends a strong message that controlling and coercive behaviour will simply not be tolerated and that there is hope and help available for anyone who may be suffering.

“Andrew Atkinson made the lives of his victims a misery and I want to commend them for finding the courage to come forward and tell the police, which ultimately put this offender behind bars.

“Controlling and coercive behaviour consists of emotional and psychological abuse which often results in victims becoming isolated from their friends and families. Offenders may control who they see and where they go, how much money they spend or even monitor their online activity and often humiliate or degrade them.

“I would like to emphasise that there is plenty of help available to anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse of any kind and together with partner agencies, we will do all that we can to support you, if you can find the courage to come forward.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion. Likewise, I would ask everyone to look out for your family members, friends or neighbours that may be suffering, as by contacting us you could be helping someone who is too afraid to help themselves. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.

“If you want to report domestic abuse, contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or seek specialist support call the confidential 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This helpline is free and run in partnership by Refuge and Women's Aid.”