A domestic abuser who controlled his ex-partner’s life from prison has had more than five months added to his existing sentence. 

David Thomas, 35, was in a relationship with the woman, who lived in Newmarket, for four years. However, he was physically abusive in December and ended up behind bars after assaulting her. 

Further abuse came to light in April this year after the victim borrowed a family member’s phone. 

When the phone was returned, threatening messages were found from Thomas and, out of fear for the victim’s safety, police were called. 

The messages included at least five voice notes, with Thomas screaming with rage, telling the woman to answer the phone and threatening her, saying she would “pay” when he was released from prison. 

On June 9, Thomas was interviewed by police but refused to answer questions. 

The victim confided in family that Thomas had threatened to kill her, saying he had nothing to lose and preferred being in prison.  

She added he had also threatened to slit her face so she would be “no good” to any other man and claimed that he would get a firearm on his release from prison. 

Investigations revealed Thomas had initially asked to be released on licence to a certain area of Cambridgeshire but, once he knew his ex-partner had moved to another part of the UK, requested to be released there instead. 

Thomas was sentenced at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (October 3) to five months and two weeks in prison after admitting coercive or controlling behaviour. The sentence is to be served on top of his existing time behind bars. 

Det Sgt Sarah Morgan, who investigated, said: “Thomas’ behaviour was nothing short of horrific and, even worse, it was carried out while he was already in prison for attacking the same woman. 

“He thought he could continue to make his ex-girlfriend’s life a misery from behind bars without being caught. He was wrong.” 

She added: “No person should have to suffer this kind of abuse and it’s important to also highlight that domestic abuse isn’t always just physical. 

“Victims can also suffer from the threat and fear of injury, daily intimidation and having every aspect of their life monitored and controlled. Coercive control is a criminal offence, and we take all reports of it very seriously. 

“We would strongly urge anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to contact police or call the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.” 

To report concerns or for more advice and support on domestic abuse, including coercive control, visit the force’s dedicated web page.