A Maidstone man has been sentenced to two years and five months in prison after a sustained campaign of abuse against his former partner.
Kent Police reported Alex Buckwell, 33, used fear and violence to control nearly every aspect of the victim’s life, including her movements, communication, and even her choice of clothing.
Maidstone Crown Court heard how Buckwell subjected the woman to relentless physical and psychological torment throughout much of their relationship. He repeatedly punched and kicked her, while also shouting insults and accusing her of dressing for other men.
The court was told Buckwell forced the victim to shut down social media accounts, block friends, and even install a tracking app on her phone to monitor her location. He also prevented her from changing jobs, insisting her time be dedicated solely to him, and would interfere with her sleep by waking her at all hours.
The victim was forbidden from going out without Buckwell and talking to other men. He denied her any privacy, even using a coin to open a locked bathroom door while she was inside. The violence escalated significantly on November 30, 2024, when, in the presence of a child, Buckwell repeatedly kicked, strangled, and punched the victim, preventing her from leaving her home.
Further incidents of Buckwell’s abuse included deliberately driving towards oncoming traffic while in a car with the victim, and dragging her back into a vehicle by her hair after she attempted to flee. Buckwell also damaged her property, including a mirror, television, fridge, and phone. His torment continued even after their separation, as he barraged her with calls from withheld numbers.
The abuse was reported to Kent Police on January 31, 2025, and Buckwell was arrested days later. He pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour between February and November 2024, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. His sentence was handed down on Tuesday, June 17.
Detective Constable Frazer Meeks said:
‘Offenders like Alex Buckwell are cowardly bullies who make their victim’s lives an absolute misery. Buckwell used fear and violence to exert control over almost every aspect of this woman’s life and subjected her to relentless physical and mental abuse. We are grateful she has shown tremendous courage standing up to her abuser and working with us to secure this important conviction.
‘I hope this case will encourage other victims of domestic abuse to come forward. Please don’t be scared to call us or ask a trusted friend or relative to do it. Nobody should feel they don’t have the option to walk away from domestic abuse, no matter how minor they may think it is. My colleagues and I will always take every allegation seriously.’