Adam Gelhardt, 27, of Downside Close in Netherton, has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for a sustained pattern of violence, intimidation and coercive control against three former partners, including brutally kicking and stamping on the stomach of a woman who was seven weeks pregnant.
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Tuesday afternoon that Gelhardt admitted two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and breaching a suspended sentence order. Appearing through a video link from HMP Liverpool, wearing a navy blue Reprimo jumper, he was sentenced by Judge Simon Medland KC.
Pattern of abuse
The court heard that Gelhardt, who had three previous domestic abuse convictions, subjected each of the women to a campaign of abuse. He had previously threatened one woman with a knife and left another former partner so frightened that she believed he would eventually kill her. His threats also extended to her family, including telling her he would stab her father while she was receiving hospital treatment.
His abusive behaviour towards another woman included pouring a milkshake over her head before kicking her in the face. After she discovered she was pregnant with his child, his aggression escalated further, culminating in a violent attack on her stomach.
First victim's ordeal
Gelhardt began a relationship with one of his victims in April 2023. Initially, he appeared affectionate and attentive, with the relationship developing quickly. The victim's mother later described his early behaviour as "love bombing".
Prosecutor Zahra Baqri explained how his attitude changed within months, particularly as his drinking and cocaine use increased. She told the court: "Such was the intensity of their relationship, just a few months in, the parties agreed to try for a baby. Around that time, the defendant's attitude changed. Not least due to excessive alcohol intake and cocaine abuse, the defendant became paranoid and became convinced that she was cheating on him. The relationship became toxic."
The victim required hospital treatment on 11 separate occasions during the relationship because of stress-related illness, despite never having previously needed inpatient care. Gelhardt also threatened her mother after she asked him to get out of bed and help care for the baby, telling the woman he was "going to kick her up and down the street".
Second victim's attack
Gelhardt entered a relationship with a second woman in February 2026. He initially came across as "extremely charismatic and charming", moving into her home within approximately three weeks. His behaviour soon became controlling, and he grew paranoid that she was still communicating with her former boyfriend.
The most serious assault happened in the early hours of July 12, when Gelhardt demanded that she accompany him to an all-night garage to purchase a vape. Ms Baqri described the attack to the court: "He caught up with her. He forced her to place her telephone on the ground, and he smashed that. He then dragged her by her hair with such force that she fell onto the concrete pavement. While on the ground, he dragged her. She repeatedly screamed out for someone to help her. He reacted by placing his hand over her mouth. He then stood over her and kicked and stamped on her stomach. He then kicked her to the head and face."
The woman, who was seven weeks pregnant, recalled blood running down her face and believed she was going to die. She managed to get away and reach the garage, where she sought assistance, and was subsequently taken to a nearby police station.
Sentencing
Judge Medland said the offences demonstrated a prolonged pattern of abuse involving three women over approximately three years. He said: "Your conduct to each of them very quickly descended into drug fuelled, alcohol fuelled violence, aggression and terrorising them. That word is one which I use with care, terrorising them. You have brought sadness and grief to the women from whom I have heard today. Their voice has been heard. Their evidence has been believed. You were the offender against each of them and against [the victim in the previous conviction]."
Addressing the attack on the pregnant woman, Judge Medland added: "The period of time in which you offended against her was much less, but only because she was able to summon the courage to get away from you. The grossly serious facts are compounded by her vulnerability as a pregnant woman, to whom you took your boot."
