Barrow dad who ‘badgered’ ex for sex sentenced for coercive behaviour

A father who repeatedly pressured his former partner for sex and became “hostile and unpleasant” when she refused has been sentenced for controlling and coercive behaviour.
Thomas Evans, 35, from School Street in Barrow, appeared at Preston Crown Court after admitting the offence on the day his trial was due to begin earlier this year. He avoided immediate custody after the judge accepted that his complex PTSD had contributed to his behaviour.
Prosecutor Sicilia Pritchard told the court that the abuse occurred between January 1, 2021, and June 19, 2023. The victim had no concerns when the relationship began in October 2020, but issues arose when the couple moved to a home in Urswick.
The court heard that in 2021 Evans began starting arguments, complaining that his partner did not go to bed at the same time as him. He accused her of cheating and once threw a whisky bottle at her, an incident that led to a caution for assault. Later that year, he damaged her children’s furniture and toys.
After moving to Ulverston, Evans continued breaking items and criticised the victim over her spending, including purchases of a picnic blanket and cooler bag.
Ms Pritchard said matters worsened during the victim’s pregnancy. Evans became increasingly moody, petty, and abusive. He created scenes when she went out with friends and persistently demanded sex, reacting aggressively when she refused.
The abuse peaked on June 18, 2023, when Evans threw a speaker toward the victim’s chest, causing it to roll onto their baby’s feet. The prosecution said he had been angry throughout the day.
Evans denied being coercive or controlling during his police interview but claimed the victim’s refusal to have sex left him feeling frustrated and “worthless”.
Defence barrister Ellie Watson said Evans was remorseful and had reflected on his behaviour. She explained that a psychological assessment confirmed he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time, which impaired his ability to control his actions. Substance misuse and alcohol had complicated his condition.
Watson added that he rarely drank due to his anxiety symptoms but had consumed four bottles of beer on the day of his arrest. She also noted that he now had stable accommodation and shared childcare responsibilities, seeing his child four nights a week, which he could lose if imprisoned. She argued he was a low risk of reoffending, had good prospects for rehabilitation, and could begin work as a labourer if given a suspended sentence.
Evans became emotional in court as Recorder Ayeshi Siddiqi imposed a 16-month sentence, suspended for two years.
“This was a prolonged period of controlling and coercive behaviour,” she told him. “It must stop. Although your mental health condition significantly affected your actions, it does not excuse them.”
She added that he needed to improve for the sake of his child and address his mental health issues.
Evans must complete 25 rehabilitation activity days and undergo a three-month drug treatment programme. A five-year restraining order was also imposed.