A jealous domestic abuser who used "love-bombing" tactics during a violent and abusive relationship was jailed last week. Ryan Cleverly headbutted, punched, strangled, dragged, kicked and pushed his then-partner on numerous occasions – often immediately apologising and promising it wouldn't happen again.
Love-bombing and manipulation
Northumbria Police said that from the start of the relationship, Cleverley's then-partner noticed the beginnings of abusive behaviour, including "love-bombing, jealously, and the use of manipulative tactics". According to the Crown Prosecution Service, love-bombing involves someone "intermittently doing what appears to be loving acts, seeking to present these as interrupting or negating the course of conduct rather than forming part of it".
In 2023, Lizzy Dobres, Policy and Practice Manager at Women's Aid said: "Love bombing is a dangerous tactic often used by abusers in the early stages of the relationship to set the scene for coercive control. It includes excessive and inappropriately showering someone with gifts, compliments, texts, phone calls, promises, attention, or affection which can quickly turn into abuse."
Physical abuse and control
As the relationship progressed, things quickly escalated into physical abuse, as Cleverly started to assault the woman during arguments, often calling her derogatory names and becoming extremely aggressive. Cleverly headbutted, punched, strangled, dragged, kicked and pushed the woman on numerous occasions – often immediately apologising and promising it wouldn't happen again.
He also repeatedly accused the woman of cheating on him and would either take or demand money from her to fund his own lifestyle. The woman described how she was never allowed to shower by herself – and if she did, she would again be accused of cheating. He consistently demanded access to the woman's phone and would stop her from listening to music he deemed inappropriate for her to listen to.
Damage and arrest
In the days leading up to his arrest, Cleverly also damaged two games consoles inside the woman's house – pouring liquids over them on purpose in a last-ditch attempt to exert control over her. Following the last assault which resulted in a family member having to intervene, the abuse was reported to Northumbria Police where the woman was able to provide photographs and footage of the abuse taking place.
Charges and sentencing
In February, Cleverly, of Woodhorn Villas, Ashington, was charged with the abuse. He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in July, where he admitted two counts of battery, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and criminal damage.
He was sentenced to five years and eight months prison on August 6. As well as a prison sentence, Cleverly was handed a lifelong restraining order to further protect the woman once he is released.
'A truly shocking case'
Following his sentencing Detective Constable Adam Goodwin, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is a truly shocking case of consistent abuse which started not long into the relationship. The increasing levels of violence over such a short time are extremely worrying – and I am very glad the victim-survivor made a report when she did.
"She should be extremely proud of herself, and I hope that she's now able to look to the future and move on in whatever way she may be able."
Det Con Goodwin added: "It's clear that Ryan Cleverly is an extremely violent man and I am glad he's now beginning a lengthy stint behind bars for what he's done. As a force, we'll do everything we can to hold abusers to account and it's important to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to that."
Anyone who needs support with domestic abuse, or wishes to make a police report can do so here.
