A man who kicked at the front door of his own home as his fiancée and her daughter barricaded themselves inside has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. Peter Kennedy, 42, admitted controlling and coercive behaviour, harassment and two counts of assault at Liverpool Crown Court.
Abusive relationship details
Kennedy had been in a relationship with Gillian Bowden for around four years, with the couple engaged and living together in Eastham, Wirral. His drug use was said to have created strains, leaving her feeling scared, anxious and intimidated.
Prosecuting, Jonathan Keane described how Kennedy prevented Ms Bowden from using social media, accused her of cheating, and regularly checked her text messages and calls. He had threatened to kill her if she did not give him her phone. In December 2025, after checking her device, he accused her of being unfaithful and kicked her in the leg.
Incident and arrest
Ms Bowden ended the relationship on May 15 following an argument. Kennedy returned to the property that night, and she and her daughter placed a chair against the front door as he kicked at it. Once inside, he ignored requests to leave and tried to snatch her daughter's phone when she began filming. He also issued threats to kill both and made a throat-cutting gesture.
Kennedy fled to his car after being disturbed by neighbours and had to be tasered by police. Despite his arrest, he continued to send messages, later threatening to smash her and her daughter's heads in. He returned to the house on May 24, again knocking on the door, but left when disturbed by a neighbour.
Victim impact and sentencing
In a statement read to the court, Ms Bowden said: "I've waited five years for this moment. All I feel is anger and rage. I don't know how long it will take me to heal or if I ever will. I'm destroyed physically, emotionally, financially and mentally. You took control of my life. I only had you, and that's what you wanted."
She added: "I have nightmares of you killing me. I always hoped you would change, but it never happened. I will never forgive or forget what you've put me through. I will never get those years back. There were days I wanted to die by taking my own life. I feel as though I can now breathe again."
Defending, Desmond Lennon told the court Kennedy was deeply sorry and ashamed, and that he had been on a downward slide with drinking, cocaine use and gambling, losing £50 to £100 per day. Sentencing, Recorder Eric Lamb said the appropriate punishment could only be achieved by an immediate sentence of imprisonment. Kennedy was jailed for two-and-a-half years and handed a 10-year restraining order.
