A cruel manipulator who subjected his girlfriend to unimaginable torment, including restricting her access to basic human needs, has faced justice in a case that highlights the sinister nature of coercive control.
Michael Rothery, 36, systematically isolated and degraded his partner during their eight-month relationship, creating what prosecutors described as a "prison-like" environment in their Hull home.
The shocking restrictions
Among the most disturbing aspects of Rothery's behaviour was his control over fundamental bodily functions. The court heard how he would:
- Ban his partner from using the toilet, forcing her to wait for hours
- Control her food and drink intake, monitoring everything she consumed
- Restrict her access to water to minimise her need for bathroom breaks
A pattern of psychological torture
Rothery's abuse extended far beyond physical restrictions. He engaged in relentless psychological warfare against his victim, constantly criticising her appearance and systematically destroying her self-esteem. The emotional manipulation created a climate of fear and submission that left the woman completely under his control.
"This was a calculated campaign to break someone's spirit," explained the prosecuting attorney during the hearing. "He treated basic human dignity as something he could grant or withhold at will."
Justice served at Hull Crown Court
At Hull Crown Court, Recorder David Gordon delivered a strong message to abusers while sentencing Rothery. The judge imposed a three-year community order with specific requirements designed to address his behaviour.
The sentence includes:
- 35 rehabilitation activity days to address his controlling tendencies
- A five-year restraining order protecting the victim
- Completion of the Building Better Relationships programme
Recorder Gordon emphasised the severe impact of Rothery's actions, noting that while the abuse wasn't physical, the psychological damage could be equally devastating and long-lasting.
A warning about coercive control
This case serves as a stark reminder that domestic abuse isn't always visible. Coercive control, which became a specific criminal offence in 2015, encompasses patterns of behaviour that trap victims in relationships through fear and manipulation.
If you recognise these patterns in your own relationship or someone else's, support is available through organisations like Refuge and Women's Aid.
The victim in this case has shown remarkable courage in coming forward, and her actions may help others recognise the signs of controlling behaviour before it escalates further.
