The Court of Appeal has increased the prison sentence imposed on M.G. after finding that the original terms for sexual assault and coercive control against his former partner were unduly lenient.
In a judgment delivered on 17 April 2026, the court quashed the original sentences and imposed four years and six months for sexual assault and four years for coercive control. The terms are to run concurrently. M.G. will also be subject to three years of post-release supervision on the same conditions imposed by the sentencing court.
M.G. had pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of coercive control. Two further sexual assault counts were taken into consideration. The original sentences were three years and two months for sexual assault and two years and six months for coercive control, also running concurrently.
The relationship began in 2017. The court heard that after the couple moved in together in January 2019, M.G. engaged in a prolonged pattern of surveillance and controlling behaviour. This included monitoring the injured party's movements, interfering with her ability to leave the house, using her phone to send false messages and repeatedly intruding on her home. She obtained a safety order in September 2020.
The Court of Appeal described the coercive control as being at the absolute upper end of gravity. It said the conduct was designed to subjugate the victim, place her in fear and destroy her peace of mind.
The court also found the sexual offending serious. It noted that there were three incidents in total, that M.G. persisted despite resistance, restricted the injured party's movements and committed some of the conduct in a domestic setting in the presence of their children. The statutory domestic-violence aggravating provision also applied.
In mitigation, the court considered the guilty plea, remorse, apology and engagement with probation services, but noted that the plea was entered on the trial date and that M.G.'s previous convictions reduced the weight of mitigation available.