A man who targeted a woman with coercive control and breached sex offender rules has been jailed.

The court heard that Thomas Davidson, 57, of no fixed address wouldn’t let the woman leave the house on her own, would drop her off and pick her up from work and would buy cars and sell them with her money and in her name breaching his notification requirements.

Following a disclosure, he was arrested and given conditions not to contact the victim.

Despite this he sent letters, rang her doorbell and loitered around the property for significant amounts of time.

On Monday, April 20, Davidson was sentenced to one year nine month at Carlisle Crown Court.

Detective Constable Callum Rushton from Cumberland CID said: “Coercive and controlling behaviour can be difficult for victims to come forward and talk about.

“In this case Davidson controlled his victims life, ensuring she never left the house alone or went out with friends.

“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.

“We work closely with partner agencies to provide 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.”