Overview
- Louis Martin, 41, pleaded guilty in July 2026 to controlling or coercive behaviour, assault and failing to comply with sex-offender notification rules and was jailed for 27 months with a 10-year restraining order.
- The court heard Martin began a short relationship in February 2026 using a false name and then subjected the 26-year-old victim to sustained harassment, including turning up at her home, contacting her friends and demanding location photos.
- The victim discovered Martin’s prior convictions for rape and other offences through online searches, and when she tried to end the relationship his behaviour intensified into threats and stalking.
- On 5 May 2026 Martin assaulted the woman by grabbing the back of her neck while her six-year-old daughter was present, and he was arrested three days later before receiving hospital treatment under guard after a reported cardiac episode.
- Judges and prosecutors described the conduct as classic coercive behaviour, noted Martin’s earlier rape conviction and past sentences, and the victim said the ordeal has left her with lasting fear, sleep loss and practical disruption to daily life.