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An abusive partner has been jailed after denying allegations he was caught on video committing a violent assault.
James Dye from Maidstone subjected a woman to sustained physical and mental abuse which included banning her from wearing makeup and blocking her phone contacts.
Dye, of College Road, Maidstone was arrested on 25 June.
An investigation revealed over the course of his relationship with the victim he controlled several aspects of her life, which also included making demands about her clothing and telling her who she was allowed to see.
Dye, 29, appeared before Maidstone Crown Court and pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in a controlling and coercive relationship.
He denied a second charge of intentional strangulation, which was ordered by the court to lie on file.
This related to a reported incident when Dye had attended the victim’s home on 14 March 2024. It was alleged the victim had used a tablet device to phone a friend and had sent a video of him assaulting her.
On 28 January 2025, Dye was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. He was also made subject of a five-year restraining order.
Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Josh Barkaway who said:
‘Dye subjected his victim to repeated psychological and physical abuse, using fear and threats of violence to exert control over almost every aspect of her life. He made countless phone calls, sent unwanted texts, and screamed verbal abuse almost daily. 'This left the victim in constant fear and forced her to change her daily routines. His appalling behaviour was relentless and has caused her a huge amount of distress and anxiety. 'We are grateful the victim has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and has helped us secure this important sentence. Bullies like Dye will often commit offences behind closed doors, and whilst victims may sometimes feel helpless nobody should feel they don’t have the option to walk away. 'I would urge anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation or relationship to report it to someone and get help. There is a range of support and information available, just phone us or ask a trusted friend or relative to do it.’
Further information about domestic abuse can be found on our advice and information pages.
If you have been a victim you can use our online reporting service. Always call 999 in an emergency.