‘Constantly living in fear’: A mother shares her painful story of abuse

Thomas Evans has now been sentenced at Preston Crown Court for controlling and coercive behaviour between January 1, 2021, and June 19, 2023.
The court heard on November 20 that Evans, from School Street in Barrow, repeatedly pressured his partner for sex and became angry and unpleasant whenever she refused.
The 35 year-old also accused her of cheating, demanded they go to bed at the same time, and damaged her children’s toys and furniture in fits of rage. He once threw a whisky bottle at her and admitted throwing a speaker that rolled onto their baby’s feet.
Prosecutor Sicilia Pritchard shared the victim’s heartbreaking statement in court.
The woman explained how ashamed and broken she felt:
“For a long time, I was ashamed of what happened to me and how he treated me. He tore me apart slowly until almost nothing was left. I lived on eggshells every day, afraid of the next explosion, afraid of doing anything wrong even afraid of breathing too loudly.”
She said she became “robotic” and filled with anxiety, losing her confidence, friends, and connection with her family.
“I constantly felt miserable and lonely. I became isolated. I’ve missed out on important moments in life,” she said.
The abuse also affected her children. They were scared of Evans and often feared his shouting. She had to take time off from work because of anxiety and depression.
“We went through three years of misery,” she said. “I feel like a failure for staying so long, but now I’m trying to rebuild my life. I know what happened will stay with me forever.”
Evans was given a five years restraining order and a 16 months prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must complete 25 rehabilitation activity days and a three month drug treatment programme.
His barrister, Ellie Watson, told the court that Evans’ psychological mental health problems contributed to his behaviour.