Violent Gravesend man jailed after repeated abuse of woman

A violent man from Gravesend has been jailed after he repeatedly abused a woman.

Gordon Curtis, was jailed for two years and eight months and received a 10 year restraining order at Woolwich Crown Court on 19 May 2023 after pleading guilty to the abuse.

Curtis was arrested after concerned neighbours heard a disturbance at a property in Gravesend on 26 November 2020.

Pair of scissors

The victim told officers Curtis, 44, had thrown items including a pair of scissors at her.

An investigation revealed further evidence of abuse which included not allowing the victim to be home on her own or allowing her to leave her flat without him, locking her in. He also refused to allow the victim to have a mobile phone and would smash it if he found her to have one.

He was released on bail with conditions not to contact the victim but repeatedly broke those conditions.

He was arrested again on 24 February 2021 and was charged with coercive and controlling behaviour, assault and possession of a controlled drug.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Chris Taylor said: ‘Curtis is a bully who subjected the victim to repeated and sustained physical, financial and emotional abuse causing her a huge amount of distress, fear and anxiety.

‘She has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and helping us secure this important conviction.

‘There is a wealth of support for anyone who is suffering this kind of abuse.’

Click here for further information, advice and support relating to Violence Against Women and Girls. This page also includes details on how Kent Police is tackling offences including domestic abuse, stalking, harassment and other forms of violence.

If you have been a victim of violence and wish to report an offence, click here.