Domestic abuser jailed for controlling the life of her partner

Kathryn White, 41, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 31 July, where she was jailed for three years and six months.

White’s sentencing follows a 19-day trial, in which she was found guilty of one count of engaging in a controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate/family relationship. She was found not guilty of one count of criminal damage valued at £250.

Over the course of her nearly three-week trial, Liverpool Crown Court was told that White had entered a relationship with the victim in this case, a 40-year-old woman, in 2021.

From the offset of the relationship, White systematically began isolating the woman from her family and friends, moving herself into the victim’s home address and forcing her son to leave the property.

As time went on, White would begin controlling what clothing she wore, degrading her appearance and even telling her that her own family did not care enough to visit her following an admission to hospital.

The victim’s life was further impacted as White’s insecurity and jealousy led to her leaving the job she loved, transferring any money she had over to White. White had also repeatedly accused her of engaging in sexual relationships with colleagues, with White being witnessed by one of the victim’s colleagues slapping the victim after she had given another a hug.

On 6 July 2022, officers attended the address after the victim bravely called 999. Officers found her visibly shaken and upset upon arrival.

She told the attending officer that, in a fit of rage, White had physically assaulted her, ripped a wardrobe door from its hinges and thrown it at the her, before grabbing her by the throat and pinning her against wall.

The victim also told the officer that, alongside physical violence, White had emotionally abused her too, which had completely changed who she was as a person.

The woman had been left isolated from family, friends and work colleagues and had no access to her own money, social media accounts or emails. White had also threatened to take her own life if she proposed to end the relationship with her.

Based on this information, White was arrested by officers and taken into custody.

In interview with detectives, White denied assaulting the victim, controlling her finances, social media accounts and emails and stated she played no part in forcing the victim’s son to leave their home address.

The 41-year-old also claimed that she had been the victim of physical violence at the hands of the victim and that it was their choice not to have contact with her family.

Despite her claims, Kathryn White would be charged with the offence.

Sadly, just four days after bravely coming forward to police, the 40-year-old died. However, the testimonies she provided to officers prior to her passing played a vital part in securing White's conviction.

Detective Sergeant Thomas Vass of the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said:

“Kathryn White subjected her former partner to a relentless 11-month campaign of physical, verbal and emotional abuse. Through her own insecurities, she isolated the woman she was supposed to care for from her loved ones, friends and even her own son, and had complete control of any sense of personal independence she possessed.

“Whilst, sadly, the victim in this case is no longer with us to see White held accountable for her deplorable behaviour, I do hope that today’s result will provide her family and friends with a sense of much-needed closure and the relief that justice has finally been secured for their loved one.

“If you, or anyone you know, is in a similar situation involving a partner exhibiting similar controlling or coercive behaviour, I would implore you to please contact Cheshire Police. Our officers treat all reports of this nature with the utmost seriousness, placing the safety and needs of the victim at the heart of all our investigations."

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, we can put you in touch with other support organisations that understand your specific needs. For information on getting the support, visit Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Cheshire Constabulary