"Manipulative" man jailed for coercive and controlling behaviour

Monday 04 November 2024

A “manipulative, controlling and spiteful” man who repeatedly threatened and harassed his former partner – including banging on her door with a large hammer – has been jailed for 15 months under new domestic abuse legislation.

Andre Correia appeared in the Royal Court for sentencing this morning.

The 26-year-old was found guilty of multiple offences under the Domestic Abuse Law last year – in one of the first cases prosecuted under new legislation which made coercive and controlling behaviour a criminal offence.

Correia's specific offences included sending abusive messages, making threats, and behaving in a threatening manner towards his former partner.

The abuse took place an eight-month period up to February 2024, both whilst the couple were together and after they had separated.

Coercive and controlling behaviour only became a criminal offence in Jersey in June 2023, so Correia could not be sentenced for any behaviour that may have taken place prior to that date.

Crown Advocate Lauren Hallam, prosecuting, said that Correia repeatedly attempted to isolate his then-partner from her friends and family and "bombarded" her with abusive messages when she went out without him.

He was said to have frequently called her a liar, claimed he would "teach her her place," and told her she would "disappear".

In one recorded argument, Correia was heard saying: "I do not need to hit you to mess up your life."

The pair began dating in 2021 when the defendant was 23 and the girl was still a teenager, the court heard.

The couple would regularly argue over the victim's alleged drug taking after the relationship began to deteriorate, which she denied at trial. 

On 11 February, the situation escalated when Correia went to the victim's flat while she was inside with a teenage friend.

When he was refused entry, Correia returned with a "large and heavy hammer" and began banging on the door, shouting threats until police arrived and he left the area.

Advocate Hallam described Correia as "a manipulative, controlling, and spiteful man" and argued that his actions posed a clear risk to the victim.

But Advocate Ian Jones, defending, argued that Correia's behaviour was influenced by difficult personal circumstances, including the impact of a major bereavement during the course of the relationship.

Advocate Jones added that the threatening messages were sent "in the heat of the moment", and said that Correia's behaviour on 11 February stemmed from concern over the victim and her friend's alleged use of illegal drugs.

Advocate Jones described Correia as a "relatively young man" with no prior convictions.

Speaking about the reasons why the defendant failed to attend a domestic abuse programme delivered by the probation service, the advocate said Correia was "still processing the fact of his conviction" and "has put up various barriers and is adopting a siege mentality".

However, Commissioner Sir William Bailhache, delivering the sentence, concluded that a custodial sentence was necessary due to Correia's "lack of remorse and lack of willingness to accept you need help in managing your emotions".

He said that the 'not guilty' plea initially entered by the defendant and his refusal to attend self-improvement classes indicated his unwillingness to acknowledge his actions or seek support in addressing his behaviour.

Commissioner Bailhache said: "You should think about these comments and what they mean."

In addition to the 15-month prison sentence, of which Correia has already served 74 days on remand, the court imposed a five-year domestic abuse protection order to prevent further contact with the victim.

Commissioner Bailhache concluded: "We consider you need to think of your own conduct quite carefully. You will need help to manage yourself in the future."

Jurats Jane Ronge and Andrew Cornish were sitting.