“I am still traumatised by the abuse he inflicted upon me” - York man sentenced for offences against former partner

“I am still traumatised by the abuse he inflicted upon me” - York man sentenced or offences against former partner

A York man who admitted assaulting his former partner as well as coercive control, has been sentenced to a 12-month prison sentence which was suspended for 18 months.

Cedric Brisson, aged 47, was originally arrested by North Yorkshire Police in October 2021 after the woman bravely revealed that he had subjected her to multiple assaults and had been controlling what she did.

He was later charged with two counts of common assault, one count of criminal damage, one count of being in possession of a class B drug, and repeatedly engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour relating to incidents which took place between December 2020 and October last year.

Having previously denied all charges, Brisson was due to go on trial, but at a hearing at York Crown Court on 9 March 2022 he finally admitted to everything.

He subjected her to sustained and repeated acts of abuse and controlling behaviour.

In addition to this, his physical assaults on the woman and damage to her home left her feeling terrified. 

In her victim impact statement, the victim said: “I am still traumatised by the abuse he inflicted upon me and struggle to do normal, everyday things.”

She also describes how she has been receiving support from a domestic abuse charity but that revisiting the abuse and the trauma has been extremely painful.

“He has completely undermined my self-esteem and confidence which will have enduring consequences for me” she continued.

She ended by saying: “No one should have to live in constant fear and anxiety as I have done, or have their life blighted by his calculated abuse and manipulation.”

At York Crown Court yesterday Brisson was sentenced to a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months on the condition that he pay £200 compensation for the criminal damage he caused within 28 days.

He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, attend 25 rehabilitation activities and granted a five-year restraining order.

Lead Investigator, Anne Yates, of the York Investigation Hub at North Yorkshire Police, said: “This case has been extremely traumatic for the victim, and I would like to praise her bravery in coming forward.

“Brisson has repeatedly refused to accept any responsibility for his actions, showing no remorse at all for his actions and behaviour. He has only recently entered a guilty plea at court putting her through enormous anxiety at the prospect of having to go to court.

“I am very pleased that this investigation has now drawn to a close and Brisson has been sentenced for his awful crimes against this very brave lady.”

“The sentence Brisson has now received will hopefully allow her the space and time to continue to heal, safe in the knowledge he can no longer cause her harm. I wish her the very best for her future.”

The legal definition of domestic abuse is any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

This can include but isn't limited to physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse. Domestic abuse also includes honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

The Crown Prosecution Service website has a breakdown of the  types of domestic abuse on their website.

Just one incident counts as abuse.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality or social background.

If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse, or are being threatened, intimidated or stalked by a current or previous partner or close family member, it’s likely you’re a victim of domestic abuse.

You're not to blame for what's happening. You're not alone.

You can report it to report it to North Yorkshire Police on their website or by calling 101. Always, dial 999 in an emergency or if you are in danger.

If you’re not ready to speak to the police, North Yorkshire Police has a list of national and local support organisations on their website who will help you. Just search for ‘domestic abuse’.