Leeds man who controlled partner jailed for longer

A man who subjected his partner to a campaign of abuse has had his sentence increased following intervention by the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP.

Billy Barker-Holden, now 23, moved into the home of his partner, where he would become argumentative and aggressive when he could not source cannabis.

Over a period of 5 months Barker-Holden subjected his victim to a campaign of controlling and coercive behaviour. He would control what she wore, prevented her from wearing make up, prevented her from taking her phone upstairs with her and isolated her from neighbours and friends.

On different occasions the offender threw a drink in the victim’s face, threw a full bottle of coca cola to her stomach, prevented her from leaving the house, held her by her neck and did not allow her to attend A&E when she began bleeding despite knowing that she was pregnant.

Barker-Holden pleaded guilty to one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm and one count of controlling or coercive behaviour. On 8 September Barker-Holden was sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court.

Following a referral to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme by the Solicitor General, on 5 November the Court found the sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 3 years’ imprisonment.

After the hearing at the Court of Appeal, the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP, said:

This is not the first time Barker-Holden has been violent towards a partner, and it is paramount that the sentence reflects the crime. Domestic violence will not be tolerated and I hope that today’s outcome brings the victim some comfort.