URGENT UPDATE: A Shrewsbury Crown Court judge has sentenced William Varey to 23 months in prison for a series of shocking domestic abuse offenses against his former partner. The ruling comes in the wake of harrowing revelations about Varey’s controlling behavior after he moved into the woman’s homeless accommodation just hours after his release from prison on August 26, 2022.
Varey, 46, of Church Street, Ightfield, exhibited alarming behavior, including stealing his victim’s keys and preventing her from leaving her home. Prosecutor Rosemary Proctor detailed how Varey’s actions escalated to physical violence, including an incident where he bit his partner’s hand and snatched her phone, breaking it in a fit of rage.
The court heard that Varey immediately sought out the victim after his release, telling her he loved her before imposing himself into her life. His presence not only disrupted her life but also pushed her to relapse into alcohol addiction, directly impacting her ongoing recovery efforts.
During the trial, it was revealed that Varey’s victim, who was working through an alcohol detoxification program, became increasingly distressed and isolated due to his coercive control. Judge Deni Mathews emphasized the severe psychological toll Varey’s behavior inflicted on the victim, noting her loss of personal freedom and the undermining of her recovery progress.
In a particularly distressing moment, the victim’s sister overheard a video call where the victim cried out, “Get off me William, you are hurting me!” This pivotal evidence showcased the immediate danger she faced under Varey’s influence. Following these events, police were called, leading to Varey’s arrest.
After admitting to charges of controlling and coercive behavior, theft, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and criminal damage, Varey was sentenced to an immediate custodial term. Judge Mathews stated, “You imposed yourself in her home. You took away her door key so she could not get out of the property.”
In addition to his prison sentence, a restraining order has been put in place, prohibiting Varey from contacting his victim. The judge highlighted the “high risk” Varey posed, reinforcing the necessity of his incarceration to protect the victim and prevent further abuse.
This case underscores the urgent need for awareness and action against domestic violence, particularly concerning vulnerable individuals living in supported accommodations. As this developing story unfolds, advocates for domestic abuse victims are calling for more robust measures to ensure their safety and recovery.
Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue as the community reacts to the court’s decision and the ongoing support for victims of domestic violence.
