He told her to tell hospital staff she hit her head on scaffolding – but the incident was just one of many she endured at the hands of his controlling and coercive behaviour
The case was heard at Grimsby Crown court(Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)
A judge branded a man a “nasty bully” after he smashed a mobile phone on his partner’s head, causing an injury that needed stitches. Luke Tapsell persuaded his partner and mother to his child to make up a story about hitting her head on a scaffolding pole so that Scunthorpe hospital staff did not become suspicious of his violence and coercion.
Tapsell, 22, formerly of Barton but now living at an address on Hull Road, York, admitted an offence of controlling and coercive behaviour between June 1 and October 2, 2024, when he appeared at Grimsby Crown Court. Prosecuting, Amber Hobson said Tapsell restricted his partner’s movements, her communications and restricted her ability to leave the home.
Miss Hobson said he only granted her permission to take their child to nursery. He also made her sleep on the sofa at home rather than their bed.
Tapsell also took full control of family finances. The prosecutor said that when cash was low he told her to go out and shoplift.
Miss Hobson said the victim was subjected to repeated assault. The worst was in mid-August when Tapsell smashed her mobile phone on her head causing profuse bleeding.
The woman required five stitches at hospital and gave a false explanation as to how it had happened. Tapsell had told her to say it was because she was helping load a scaffolding van into his van.
The following month there was further violence when she was attacked with a mop and she was repeatedly punched and kicked. In October she fled from the home to a friend’s house to say she felt imprisoned and feared for her life.
Humberside Police arrested Tapsell, who denied striking her. Miss Hobson read the victim impact statement from the complainant who said the the coercive and controlling behaviour had a long-lasting effect and she struggles daily.
She said the healing process was long and she is often anxious. Miss Hobson said the woman still felt fear and the scar on her head is a constant reminder of the abuse the suffered. “I grieve for the happy family life we were promised,” she said.
Mitigating, Sam Magee said his client was a young age at the time of the offences, having become a father aged just 17. He added he accepted the serious nature of the offence and the harm it caused and he expressed remorse. The defence barrister said his family had fully supported him.
Judge Gurdial Singh told Tapsell: “You are a nasty bully. She has a physical scar and it has a lasting impact on her self-confidence.”
He added: “This was violence towards someone you should have cared for. She is the mother of your child. You resorted to violence and thought it was acceptable. It wasn’t.”
He said Tapsell’s immaturity and the recommendation that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, had persuaded him to suspend the sentence of imprisonment. “I am giving you a chance. It is the only one you are going to get,” said the judge as he gave him 22 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He ordered him to comply with 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 180 hours of unpaid work. He imposed a Restraining Order not to contact the complainant for five years.