Nottingham, England – A coercive man from Basford, Nottingham, has been sentenced to two years and five months in jail after subjecting his ex-girlfriend to a series of abusive behaviors, culminating in a violent assault that left her with a broken arm. Ryan Burrell used threats and violence to control his victim, making her fear for her safety and well-being.
Throughout October and November 2023, Burrell displayed a pattern of coercive and controlling behavior towards his ex-girlfriend. He threatened to share intimate photos with her family, made numerous threats if she tried to leave him, and engaged in acts of violence, destroying property and sending over 500 threatening text messages.
The abusive relationship reached a breaking point on November 25 in Bestwood, where Burrell physically attacked his ex-girlfriend, resulting in her sustaining a broken arm. The victim bravely reported the abuse to the police, leading to Burrell’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea to charges of causing grievous bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behavior.
Following his sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on May 22, Burrell was handed a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim. Detective Sergeant Stacey Hardstaff of Nottinghamshire Police condemned Burrell’s actions, calling him a “nasty bully” who used violent and manipulative tactics to control his ex-girlfriend.
The victim’s personal impact statement revealed the lasting trauma she experienced as a result of Burrell’s abuse. She described struggling with fear, sleep disruptions, and the constant feeling of being watched and in danger. Despite the emotional and physical toll of the abuse, she found the courage to speak up and seek help.
Hardstaff commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward and urged others experiencing similar situations to report domestic abuse to the authorities for assistance. She emphasized the importance of seeking support and protection from law enforcement to ensure safety and security from abusive individuals.
For individuals facing domestic abuse, seeking help and reporting incidents to the police is crucial in breaking the cycle of violence and finding support. Organizations and resources are available to assist those in abusive situations, offering guidance, protection, and a pathway to safety.