St Albans man jailed for domestic abuse to imprisoned teenager

A five year jail sentence has been handed out to a St Albans man who physically and psychologically abused a teenager and threatened to kill her.

Danny Wills, also known as James Bowman, 30, of Chequer Street, also had his parole licence extended for two years after pleading guilty to false imprisonment and causing ABH.

He kept his 16-year-old victim locked inside his flat and controlled her to such a degree that she was eventually isolated from family and friends.

The girl managed to get out of the flat when her father tracked her down and raised his concerns.

Det Insp Francesca Ward, from the Harm Reduction Unit who led the investigation said: “James Bowman subjected his victim to a truly horrific ordeal and has shown no remorse for his actions. The sentence passed on him reflects the severity of what he has done and the risk he poses to women and others in a domestic environment.

“I hope the sentence passed today offers some closure to our victim. Domestic abuse, whatever form it takes, is never acceptable and is still very much under reported.”

Det Ch Insp Clare Smith added: “The outcome of this case highlights the dedication of our officers and staff in our work to end domestic abuse. Hertfordshire Constabulary is dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse and their families and ensuring that offenders are dealt with.”

Anyone suffering from domestic abuse, which can take many forms including violence and emotional and financial abuse, can call 08 088 088 088 or visit: www.herts.police.uk/domesticabuse or www.sunflower.org.uk for help and advice.

Full story and court case in this week’s Herts Ad.