Westcliff: Victim speaks out as domestic abuse perpetrator sentenced

“Without the support of my friends, family and the police I would certainly not be in position I’m in today – or even be here today.”

Those are the words of a woman whose abuser was handed a 10-year restraining order and a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to a domestic abuse offence.

Daniel Ashbrook pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour at Chelmsford Crown Court on 29 November 2024 and was sentenced at the same court on 11 February 2025.

The 41-year-old, of Northview Drive, Westcliff, was mentally, physically, and emotionally abusive to a woman over a three-year period.

He would stop her seeing lived ones or appear uninvited when she would try and see friends or family.

In person, in phone calls and in texts Ashbrook would insult her. On several occasions he damaged her car to stop her leaving or going to work.

Ashbrook was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years, as well as being given a 10-year restraining order.

He must also pay £1,500 in compensation, complete 180 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

'This is a step on the road to recovery'

The woman in this case described the struggles she’d faced even after Ashbrook was arrested:

“Without the support of my friends, family, and the police I would certainly not be in position I’m in today or even be here today.
“This has taken a huge toll on my independence and confidence. I’ve changed almost everything about me to stop him finding me – my appearance, the routes I take, the places I stay.
“If I’m out on my own I quickly feel anxious and exposed, but the impact his behaviour has had on me has impacted the relationships I have with friends and family too. It’s a horrible position to be in.
“I’m glad he’s been sentenced. Knowing there is a restraining order in place and that he’s been sentenced is a step to recovering from what he did.
“It was difficult but I’m glad I spoke to the officers, and I appreciate all the support they’ve given me.”

Speaking after the sentencing, officer in the case Acting Police Sergeant Jay Smith said:

“I’d like to thank the victim in this case for speaking to the police.
“If anyone finds themselves subject to behaviour like this then please contact us – you will be listened to and you will be supported.
“Ashbrook tightened his grip on the woman over time, belittling her and controlling her movements, ultimately trying to isolate her and break her down.
“I’d like to commend her bravery for coming forward, staying on board throughout the criminal justice process and speaking of her traumatic experience despite those attempts.
“He now faces a prison sentenced if he breaches his restraining order, and our officers will be closely monitoring him to ensure he follows the conditions the court has set out.”

Breaking the cycle of abuse

Working with Southend and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB), our #Reflect campaign aims to tackle emotional abuse at its source, by speaking directly to those who are abusive in their relationships.

We want to urge anyone displaying unhealthy and toxic behaviours towards their partner, ex-partner or a family member, to #Reflect and get help at Essex charity The Change Project.

At Essex Police we put victims at the heart of everything we do. The Victims’ Code explains the rights that everyone can expect to receive as a victim of crime, and helps us define what we must do for all victims from their initial contact with our force until the conclusion of their case.

Find out more about the code and to understand the rights of a victim of crime, on our support for victims and witnesses of crime page.

To report a crime, please use our digital 101 service. In an emergency call 999.