Waterlooville Man Jailed for Coercive Abuse and Knife Threat
A 30-year-old man from Waterlooville has been locked up for two years and eight months after admitting to terrifying coercive and controlling behaviour against a woman in Havant.
Liam Stratford’s Shocking Crimes Unveiled
Liam David Stratford, from Avondale Road, pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on 18 December 2023 to a string of offences including:
- Coercive and controlling behaviour in an intimate relationship (Nov 2022 – July 2023)
- Possession of a blade or sharply pointed object in public
- Criminal damage
- Perverting the course of justice
He was sentenced at the same court on 2 February 2024.
Victim’s Tale of Fear and Control
The 29-year-old victim bravely contacted police on 9 July 2023, a week after fleeing the abusive relationship. She revealed how Stratford’s actions caused “serious alarm and distress” — with violence, threats, phone demands, self-harm threats, financial exploitation, isolation from friends, and constant monitoring of her movements.
One chilling incident in April 2023 saw Stratford snatch the victim’s phone, then threaten her with a kitchen knife during a car journey to a petrol station in Cosham. He pointed the knife at her from the passenger seat before tucking it away inside a shop.
Attempt to Quash Charges Backfires
While in custody, Stratford tried to get someone to approach the victim and persuade her to drop the charges against him. A detention officer overheard the call, sealing his fate further.
Police Praise Victim’s Courage
“The courage of this young woman to stand up to her abuser and report his coercive and controlling behaviour is a positive example that perpetrators will face serious consequences for their actions,” said DC Vivian Schram.
“Her heartfelt court statement revealed the deep emotional scars left on both herself and her family. She described how Stratford’s controlling behaviour made her feel vulnerable and unsafe — so much so that she struggles to take her 3-year-old daughter out in public.
“Domestic abuse leaves lifelong scars, both physical and emotional. We will not tolerate it and will do everything we can to support victims and bring offenders to justice. Anyone suffering in silence, please come forward — there are police and independent support services ready to help.”
