A ‘COWARDLY’ abuser from Winsford restricted his victim’s personal hygiene and wouldn’t let her diet as part of a years-long campaign of physical, emotional, and financial torment. 

Joshua Verdin, of Abbotts Way, controlled his victim and isolated her from her friends and family, regularly checking her phone and deleting messages he didn’t want her to see.

The 26-year-old often accused her of seeing other men, and even claimed she was working as a prostitute.

He also slept with her phone in his pocket to prevent her from contacting anyone else.

On one occasion, he stole her glasses and took a photo of them at another man’s house, making out it was evidence of her sleeping with someone else.

He also restricted her personal hygiene, and stopped her from going on diets or straightening her hair, claiming she was only doing it to impress other people.

Verdin also demanded money from her and had her personal bank details saved on his phone.

He was also physically and verbally abused her, often with threats to kill her if he ever caught her with another man. 

On one occasion, he pushed her out of bed during an argument while she was pregnant, causing bruising to her elbow.

On another, he kicked her to the head and body, which caused her ear to split.

The offences came to light in January 2024 when the victim’s mother reported her concerns to police.

Verdin was arrested and later charged with one count of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, and four of assault causing actually bodily harm.

After initially denying the offences, he eventually pleaded guilty to all five at a hearing at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, August 27.

He returned to Chester for sentencing on Friday, October 11, where Judge Steven Everett jailed him for five years and two months.

The judge also made a restraining order, banning him from contacting his victim until a further court order is made.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Charlotte Wilson, who led the investigation, said: “First, I would like to praise the victim for having the courage to speak out, as well as the bravery she has shown throughout the investigation.

“Verdin had completely dominated the victim, his controlling behaviour isolated her from her family, and his actions left her both physically and mentally scarred.

“He accused the victim of being unfaithful, but in reality, he was the cheat, and the victim had done nothing wrong.

“Thankfully he has now been held accountable for his actions, and everyone knows what a coward he really is.

“As this case demonstrates, for anyone suffering through domestic violence, there is always hope, and the police will always take your experience seriously and ensure you are heard.”