A thug who dragged his girlfriend by the hair during a row in Birmingham has been locked up. Morgan Robertson 'controlled' the woman during their relationship, threatened her, and hurled abuse at her. The 27-year-old also punched, slapped, and chucked drinks at her.
His cruel crimes came to light when the victim reported him to police in 2023. She told officers about a number of incidents, including one time when Robertson dragged her by the hair during an argument they had in Birmingham. In September 2021, he smashed her phone and punched her several times before his friend stepped in and stopped him. On another occasion, he held a knife to her throat while pinning her against a wall and choked her. Following an argument, Robertson gave the victim a black eye after punching her in the face and threatening her with a knife.
Derbyshire Constabulary said: 'Throughout the relationship Robertson also controlled the woman, checking her phone and repeatedly accusing her of cheating. He also stopped her from seeing friends, monitored her social media accounts and repeatedly subjected her to verbal and physical abuse. Even after the relationship ended, he continued to threaten her via messages, saying he was going to go to her home address and physically assault her.'
Robertson, of no fixed abode, was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour following a trial last year. He was jailed for four years and 10 months at Nottingham Crown Court on May 1. The defendant was also handed a 10-year restraining order.
Speaking after the sentencing, the woman said: 'I never thought anyone would believe me about what he put me through. He made me believe they wouldn't and it took me a long time to get the guts to do this but I am so happy that I did. You should always speak up about your abuse and get justice. I can't thank Derbyshire Police enough for giving me my voice back.'
Detective Sergeant Gareth Spibey, who led the investigation, said: 'This case has taken an extensive amount of time to investigate and get to court and I would like to thank the victim for staying engaged and persevering through the process to make sure their abuser faces justice. The evidence put forward to the court and the outcome clearly shows Robertson is dangerous to women so I am glad that he is now behind bars where he belongs with some justice being served. I'd like to urge any victims of domestic abuse, where possible to seek support and if they can, to report it to police. You do have a voice and we will do all that we can to support you through the process. Please don't suffer in silence.'
