A Bootle man who carried out a four-month campaign of violence and abuse against a 17-year-old girl has been jailed.
Josh Shanahan meted out what police described as "systematic violence and abuse" against his victim, including multiple serious assaults and non-fatal strangulation. The 22-year-old appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, July 23, where he pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm, two counts of non-fatal strangulation and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Victim's statement
Bravely addressing the court, his teenage victim recalled the attacks she suffered at Shanahan's hands, saying she had him "walking on eggshells". She said: "The abuse I experienced throughout my relationship with Josh has had a profound and lasting impact on every aspect of my life. Living in a constant environment of fear, intimidation and emotional abuse left me feeling trapped, anxious, and emotionally exhausted on a daily basis."
She continued: "I spent so much time walking on eggshells, constantly trying to avoid arguments, aggression or further abuse. I was always worried about when the next incident would happen and what I could do to prevent it. Over time I lost my sense of self and no longer recognised the person I had become."
She added: "The abuse affected my confidence, my mental wellbeing and my basic sense of safety. I felt isolated, controlled and emotionally worn down. There were many times I felt powerless, as though I no longer had control over my own thoughts, feelings or life."
Isolation and control
The teenager said Shanahan isolated her from friends and family so that he could control her. She said: "Over time I felt pressured to distance myself from relationships that were important to me which left me feeling alone and emotionally dependent on him."
She added: "To experience this abuse at such a young age has had a profound impact on me emotionally and psychologically – at a time in my life where I should have felt safe and focused on my future. Instead, I found myself dealing with fear, violence, anxiety and trauma that no person should have to deal with."
Sentencing and police comment
Shanahan, of Stanley Road in Bootle, was jailed for three years and nine months and issued with an indefinite restraining order to protect his victim from future harassment or fear of violence from him.
Detective Inspector Keith Swift said: "The scale of abuse carried out by Shanahan was horrific. The victim reported to us that he frequently abused her and would lock her in his flat to prevent her from going home."
He added: "She shared 59 pictures of the assaults suffered at his hands and was bitten multiple times and still has the scars from it. He would stop her seeing friends and wouldn’t allow her to use her phone and would message her friends pretending it was her to supposedly catch her out. I hope in time she can move on from this to lead a happy life."
Detective Inspector Swift continued: "I would like to emphasise that there is help available to anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse of any kind and together with partner agencies, we will do all that we can to support you."
He said: "Domestic abuse comes in many forms, it isn’t just physical – it can be emotional, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour and it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. We have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion."
He added: "I would also ask everyone to look out for your family members, friends or neighbours that may be suffering, as by contacting us you could be helping someone who is too afraid to help themselves. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly."
