A Birmingham man has been sentenced to four years in prison following months of coercive and controlling behaviour that culminated in a violent assault on his partner. Ingus Silins, 24, was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, 20th September.
The incident occurred at Silins’ home in Handsworth, where a concerned neighbour called for help after the victim asked for an ambulance. Police and paramedics arrived at the scene, and the woman was transported to hospital, where she was treated for a collapsed lung and fractured ribs.
Despite being granted bail under strict conditions not to contact the victim, Silins continued to harass her through social media, pressuring her to retract her statements and claiming she had not experienced domestic abuse because he did not “abuse her every day.”
Silins pleaded guilty to wounding, coercive and controlling behaviour, and witness intimidation. In addition to his prison sentence, he was handed an eight-year restraining order.
Police Staff Investigator Kathryn Burns praised the victim’s courage, saying: “Silins was a manipulative and violent individual who left this woman scared and traumatised. Thanks to her bravery, Silins has been punished, and I hope this encourages others in similar situations to come forward.”
For those in need of support in leaving an abusive relationship, help is available through the No Excuse for Abuse campaign.