The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A former Spalding man who admitted engaging in coercive behaviour and threatening to distribute an intimate video was today (Wednesday) jailed for 26 months.
Toby Dawson, 25, bombarded his teenage victim with hundreds of calls and texts, and made her believe that he had disclosed an intimate video to her family.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Dawson also demanded that the teenager keep an open line to him at all times and be available for calls at any moment.
On one occasion after the young woman ended a phonecall Dawson sent her 32 messages in under five minutes, the court was told.
The victim, who can not be named to protect her anonymity, was left unable to sleep or shower.
In a victim statement which was read out in court the young woman said she did not want this to happen to anyone else in the future.
Dawson was remanded into custody after he appeared before Lincoln Magistrates Court in April and pleaded guilty to two offences of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and threatening to disclose intimate material.
The court heard Dawson had similar previous convictions for harassment and breaching a restraining order.
Edna Leonard, mitigating, said Dawson did have accommodation available in Spalding and urged the judge to consider an electronically monitored suspended sentence.
“He says he has learnt his lesson in prison and never intends to commit an offence again,” Miss Leonard added.
“He is fortunate as he has the support of his family.”
Passing sentence Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight told Dawson his victim was struggling with how this could have been done to her.
Judge Sjolin Knight said it was to her great credit that the victim was concerned that this would not happen to anyone else, and hoped she would now be able to start rebuilding her life.
The Judge told Dawson: “You have simply engaged again in manipulative behaviour.”
A ten year restraining order was also made which prevents Dawson from contacting the victim and her family.
