Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 3rd February 2025, at 12:15hrs
He left his victim traumatised following his abuse
A St Helens man has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to three years and six months in prison for controlling and coercive behaviour.
Darren Heskett, 57 years old from Sutton Leach, St Helens pleaded guilty to charges and was sentenced on Thursday 30 January.
Detective Constable Lauren Baker said: “We are committed to tackling any form of abuse or violence against women or girls. The victim was in a long-term relationship with Heskett. Over the course of the relationship, he has traumatised and abused her telling her to kill herself.
“Thankfully Heskett pleaded guilty, and he was sentenced quickly which saved the victim the ordeal of having to go through the legal process or relive the experience in court by way of a trial.
“We hope this sentence sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate any violence or abuse against women and will use our powers to bring people to justice. We will also ensure that victims are given the support and action that is required at their time of need.”
You can find out more about our commitment to ending violence against women and girls here: http://www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2024/september/our-commitment-to-keeping-women-and-girls-safe-in-merseyside
If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:
NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.
Childline – call 0800 1111
If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.
You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here: http://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
There is a lot of support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities.
In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
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