By Rachael Grealish

A man who left a woman “in fear” due to his “coercive and controlling behaviour”, has been jailed for over two years.

John Nicholson, 59, of Loanwath Road in Dumfries, has been jailed for two separate offences dating back to 2009.

Nicholson was found guilty at a trial for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and coercive and controlling behaviour.

The assault offence relates to an incident in Brampton in July 2009 against a woman.

The coercive and controlling behaviour offence is against a separate woman between 2009 and 2021.

The 59-year-old was sentenced to two years and six months in jail at Carlisle Crown Court on Wednesday, July 11.

DC Emma Armstrong from Cumberland CID said “Nicholson engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour.

“He was controlling in relation to the woman’s friends, he was degrading towards her and discouraged her from roles at work.

“The woman was often left in fear due to his threatening behaviour throughout the relationship.

“It is understandably difficult for victims of abuse to talk about what happened to them and any reports we receive will be taken seriously and will be dealt with professionally and sensitively.

“The Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances.

“These offences will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything within our power to hold them accountable for their actions and bring them to justice.

“I would encourage anyone who has been subject to offences of this nature to come forward so that our officers can investigate. You will be supported throughout our investigation.”