'Controlling' man jailed for abusing seven partners

A man who subjected a number of women to a "domestic reign of terror" through his controlling and aggressive behaviour has been jailed for four years and eight months.

Joshua Kelly, 23, would "love bomb" his victims with excessive displays of affection and move into their homes after just a few weeks before quickly taking over their lives.

Kelly, previously of Staple Hill, South Gloucestershire, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 27 June after admitting controlling and coercive behaviour towards seven former partners between 2020 and 2025.

Det Con Matilda Dowsing said Kelly "systematically controlled" his victims, leaving some feeling they would not be able to trust people again.

Kelly had overlapping relationships with the women, but would repeatedly accuse them of being the unfaithful one and prevent them from socialising.

Det Con Dowsing said: "Kelly has been sentenced after subjecting not just one victim, but seven victims, to a domestic reign of terror."

She continued: "I am grateful for the seven victims for coming forward and I hope they are proud that their courage to report what happened has led to Kelly being jailed, however this conviction will never undo the trauma that he has caused.

"Controlling behaviour can be quite hard to measure, but that is the fundamental part – domestic abuse is about power."

Avon and Somerset Police are trying to raise awareness of the signs someone is in an controlling or coercive relationship, such as the victim becoming isolated from friends and family.

They may also be subjected to constant criticism, veiled or direct threats, or extreme jealousy from their partner.

Other indications a loved one is being abused by a partner include their partner making their acceptance of them subject to certain conditions, such as forcing them to change their appearance.

They may also be pressured into unhealthy behaviours, such as taking illegal drugs or participating in unsafe sex.

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