A MAN has been spared an immediate prison sentence despite his controlling behaviour.

Michael Marsh’s actions were found to have had a serious impact on his partner, who he was supposed to be in a loving relationship with.

The 55-year-old was charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault by beating, and he was sentenced at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 21.

Here, he was told he must pay compensation to the woman for his actions, but he was told that he would not be heading to prison.

Marsh appeared to be sentenced after he was convicted of both counts following a trial. This came after he entered not guilty pleas.

Emily Comer, prosecuting, explained how the controlling and coercive behaviour spanned a period of almost two years, between December 2019 and October 2021 in Warrington.

Court documents state that his behaviour during this time saw him prevent his partner from seeing friends and family, and from communicating with anyone else.

They also state that Marsh was intimidating during the period, knowing or ought to be knowing that his behaviour would have a serious effect on her.

Moreover, the defendant was found to have assaulted the victim by beating her in January this year.

Before sentencing, district judge John McGarva remarked that Marsh’s behaviour was ‘prolonged and persistent’, and that it had a ‘serious impact’ on the victim.

However, he concluded that he could draw back from an immediate custodial sentence due to his lack of previous convictions, with punishment achievable in the community.

Marsh, now of Windsor Road in Bournemouth, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, as well as 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay the victim compensation of £250, costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £620 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £128

In addition, the court approved a restraining order prohibiting the defendant from contacting the victim by any means for two years.