A man from Stockport has been jailed following an 'escalating' pattern of abusive and coercive behaviour. 

James Saxon, 29, of Ludlow Road, behaved manipulatively towards his victim over a period of more than three years, monitoring her movements, isolating her from friends and family, carrying out covert surveillance, intimidating her physically, and assaulting her. 

Saxon's behaviour was exacerbated by his frequent use of drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, and steroids, which intensified his paranoia, aggression, and erratic behaviour.

Saxon was sentenced to two years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, possession of an offensive weapon and assault.

He was also handed a five year restraining order.

The victim said in court that she "lived in constant fear of what he might do next". She was also pregnant while the abuse was taking place.

"I feel like James is going to harass me forever, and I fear for my family's safety", she said. "I remember after I miscarried in January 2025, James's behaviour was awful towards me - every time I cried, he told me to 'get over it.'

"James would scream at me whilst driving, saying he would write the car off with us both in it.

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"The physical assault left me with pain and injury to my neck, but the emotional scars run far deeper."

Greater Manchester Police report that Saxon 'laughed hysterically' as the victim read her statement. He showed a similar lack of remorse during his police interview, laughing and dismissing his abusive behaviour even when confronted with irrefutable evidence.

Police Constable, Elizabeth Andrews from Stockport's dedicated Domestic Abuse Team, said: "This case demonstrates the devastating impact coercive and controlling behaviour can have on victims.

"Over several years, Saxon systematically stripped away the victim's sense of self with relentless emotional abuse.

"The victim has showed immense bravery by coming forward and speaking out against Saxon, and I urge anybody is a similar situation to always report this behaviour, as nobody should live in fear.

"This conviction sends a clear message: GMP will not tolerate this behaviour, and we will do everything possible to protect victims and bring offenders to justice."