A man from Stockport has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for a sustained pattern of abuse that left his victim fearing for her life.
James Saxon, aged 29, of Ludlow Road, Stockport, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, assault, and possession of an offensive weapon. He was also handed a five-year restraining order.
The offences took place over a three-year period between January 2022 and April 2025. Prosecutors detailed how Saxon’s behaviour escalated from emotional manipulation to physical intimidation and threats of serious violence.
In a powerful victim impact statement, the woman described how Saxon slowly stripped away her confidence, independence, and peace of mind. She said: “His controlling and coercive behaviour slowly took away everything. I lived in constant fear of what he might do next.”
The abuse worsened during her pregnancy. She said the emotional and psychological harm she suffered led to a miscarriage in January 2025. She told the court Saxon showed no compassion, saying she was told to "get over it" whenever she cried.
Evidence presented in court included video footage from a Ring doorbell camera showing Saxon shouting aggressively at the victim, neighbours and even her clients.
On one occasion in March 2025, Saxon chased the victim’s car through traffic and reached for a concealed cosh while stopped at lights. Police arrived in time to prevent further harm and arrested him at the scene.
Despite bail conditions, Saxon continued to harass the victim, turning up uninvited, making contact through social media, and interfering with property sales and security systems.
Saxon also assaulted the victim and made repeated threats, including saying he would write off the car with them both inside. In one disturbing incident, driven by paranoid delusions fuelled by drug use, he armed himself with a hammer and left their home in search of an imaginary attacker.
Police Constable Elizabeth Andrews from GMP’s Stockport Domestic Abuse Team praised the victim’s bravery: “This case demonstrates the devastating impact coercive and controlling behaviour can have. Saxon showed no remorse and dismissed the abuse, even laughing during police interviews.
“The victim has shown immense courage. We encourage anyone facing similar abuse to come forward. You will be listened to, supported, and protected.”
GMP reminded residents that not all abuse is physical and that coercive behaviour often goes unreported. They are backing the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s ‘#IsThisOk?’ campaign, aimed at raising awareness of controlling behaviours in relationships.
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