Jealous thug bombarded victim with texts and threatened to share intimate pictures

A controlling and abusive thug peppered bombarded his victim with threatening text messages and forced her to Facetime him from her holiday - to prove she was alone in her hotel room.

Liam Swayne's actions were described as 'truly despicable' as he was sentenced to three years eight months in jail at Carlisle Crown Court today (June 13). The 33-year-old, of Woodfield Road, Blackpool, was also given an indefinite restraining order against the victim.

He was jailed for coercive and controlling behaviour, assault by beating, criminal damage, false imprisonment, and intimidating a witness in civil proceedings. He also threatened to disclose private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress.

His crimes relate to one woman between April and August 2023 in north Cumbria.

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Detective Constable Danielle Messenger from Cumberland CID said “Swayne subjected the victim to various threatening messages and assaults, with one leading to broken ribs during their relationship.

“Swayne like many domestic offenders was controlling making the victim Facetime him to prove she was in her hotel room at night on holiday and made multiple threats of violence to her and her family.

“His actions were truly despicable and damaging, with the victim losing all her friends.

“It is understandably difficult and distressing for victims of abuse to talk about what happened to them and any reports we receive will be taken seriously and will be dealt with professionally and sensitively.

“The Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances. These offences will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything within our power to hold them accountable for their actions and bring them to justice.

“I would encourage anyone who has been victim to a domestic offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate. You will be supported throughout our investigation.”