A Stockport man has been jailed after carrying out a 'campaign of controlling behaviour and abuse' against a woman for six years.

From 2018 to 2024, 22-year-old Jamie McGrath of Lowland Road, Woodsmoor, committed a string of violent acts against the woman such as throwing her down the stairs, breaking her fingers, throwing tools at her, and forcing her head into a filled bathtub.

McGrath was sentenced to three years in jail at Minshull Street Crown Court, and was issued an indefinite restraining order.

The victim bravely spoke out about her abuse in 2024.

She described how during arguments McGrath would become aggressive, and would physically hurt her.

McGrath would also would lock the victim in their flat with no way out if she wasn't ready on time or as punishment for going out with friends.  

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) arrested McGrath shortly after the victim's report, and he was convicted in May 2025 of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault, criminal damage, theft of the victim's phone and two counts of false imprisonment.

The victim read a statement at McGrath's sentencing, describing how she still faces mental and physical health issues as a result of McGrath's abuse.

"I would say I'm happier since I have felt safer without the risk of you appearing, I'm not healed or the perfect stable person, but I am happier", she said.

"I still panic, I still cry, and I still think about all the physical and mental pain you inflicted on me every day. I still check my phone, I still expect you to walk in the house or worry if you're following me or know what I'm doing, but I'm getting better with the right support from family and friends and professionals.

"With this support I'm learning how much you broke me down and I'm slowly building myself back up.

"All I can hope is that, with justice and speaking out, I've saved another person from being abused at the hands of you."

She continues to get support to allow her to rebuild and move forward with her life.

PC Mel Corrigan from GMP's Domestic Abuse Team said: "Preventing violence against women and girls is one of our highest priorities, and our Domestic Abuse officers are fully committed to creating safer communities for people to feel protected and supported.

"This case was a horrific abuse of power. I would personally like to give thanks and praise to the victim in this case; her dedication, courage and tenacity in her pursuit for justice, in what has been an incredibly difficult year, has been nothing short of inspirational.

"We both hope that the outcome in this case encourages other victims to come forward and get the justice that they too deserve."

"We recognise the deep and lasting impact that abuse, whether physical, sexual, or emotional can have on victims and families and we are consistently working to build greater trust with the public and particularly with those who feel vulnerable or unheard.

"Controlling and coercive behaviour can develop over time during a relationship, making it difficult for victims to come forward. GMP are prioritising our approach to domestic abuse cases to raise the solved outcome rate for victims of CCB.

"We encourage people who see victims of CCB and notice the signs to stand up and report this behaviour to protect women and girls and raise further awareness."

GMP encourages any victim of domestic abuse to come forward by calling 101, reporting online, or using GMP's Live Chat service.

Always call 999 in an emergency. 

GMP also advised that victims of abuse can contact the below organisations if they do not want to contact police.

• Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Includes a language service and advice for the LGBT community. 
• End the Fear includes information on local help all over Greater Manchester.