...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Jealous Boyfriend Facing Jail Time for Domestic Abuse
Jonathan Maybury, a 38-year-old auditor, is facing jail time for domestic abuse after he used controlling behaviors against his girlfriend, Stephanie Andrews, who is a successful engineer for Jaguar Land Rover.
The couple met while working at the motor company’s Halewood plant in Liverpool, England.
Maybury, who is from Widnes, Cheshire, was found guilty of coercive behavior after a three-day trial at Warrington Magistrates Court and faces up to five years in prison.
Maybury’s Controlling Behaviors
During the couple’s eight-year relationship, Maybury belittled and drained Miss Andrews of money, threatened to kill her puppy, had her pet rabbit rehomed, and used a Ring security camera to spy on her.
He also mockingly called Miss Andrews ‘the f***ing graduate.’
The Abuse Began After a Luxury Home Purchase
The abuse began after Miss Andrews purchased a luxury home in the prestigious village of Hale, near Liverpool, using her grandmother’s inheritance.
Miss Andrews had attained a first-class degree in engineering at the University of Surrey in Guildford in 2012 before joining Vauxhall Motors and then Jaguar Land Rover, where she was promoted to advance manufacturing engineer.
Maybury was a government-regulated auditor at the same plant.
Miss Andrews’ Testimony
Miss Andrews testified that Maybury became jealous and controlling over her in 2015, leading to her isolation from family and friends.
Maybury physically blocked the exits during arguments, making Miss Andrews feel intimidated.
He also insinuated that she was having an affair with his 50-year-old brother.
The couple was visiting Maybury’s sister in the Wirral, and when Miss Andrews realized she left something at home, she was terrified to tell Maybury, fearing his reaction.
When she did tell him, he screamed and shouted at her, drove erratically, and tailgated a car that cut him off.
Maybury also installed a Ring doorbell and four other security cameras after his motorbike was nearly stolen from their front garden.
He used the cameras to track Miss Andrews’ comings and goings, and if she came home late, he would bring it up later during arguments.
Miss Andrews felt like she was being watched in her own home and no longer had an excuse not to answer Maybury’s calls after he bought her an apple watch for her 30th birthday.
She said Maybury made note of her schedule and said things like, ”why were you late home from work the other day, you’re an hour late”.
Maybury refused to leave the property when Miss Andrews offered him £25,000.
She eventually put the house on the market and received four offers, but Maybury refused them all, saying he would only accept an offer of £425,000.
Maybury’s Defense
Maybury said Miss Andrews made him sign a declaration of trust on the house so she could protect some of the inheritance money she put into it.
He claimed that they argued but never talked about their financial issues, and the final months of their relationship were pretty silent.
Maybury also said he did not know half of the problems during their relationship and called Miss Andrews “psycho” only a couple of times.
Sentencing
JP Alan Davies found Maybury guilty and said, “We find that you did use cameras to monitor her, you did intend to kill the dog, and you did belittle her.
This had a serious effect on her, which in turn caused serious alarm and distress.”
Maybury will be sentenced next month.
Commentary
This case highlights the prevalence and severity of domestic abuse.
Coercive behavior is a form of abuse that can have long-lasting effects on the victim.
It is essential to recognize the signs of abuse and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Perpetrators of domestic abuse often use a range of tactics to exert control over their victims, including emotional, psychological, and financial abuse.
It is vital to create a safe and supportive environment for victims of domestic abuse to come forward and seek help.
This includes providing access to counseling, legal support, and safe housing.
