Violent, controlling bully jailed for hitting woman ‘like a football’

A violent and controlling man who hit a woman ‘like he was a footballer’ has been jailed. Lee Carran, of Woodlane in Falmouth, was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court after the victim moved to Liverpool to escape his violent and abusive behaviour.

The victim told police officers that Carran, 32, assaulted her on multiple occasions, including choking her to the point of passing out. He was also accused of controlling her life, including her phone and money, and preventing her from seeing family members.

The hearing was told how Carran and the victim had been out drinking in Plymouth city center on January 16, 2023. After being asked to leave the Union Rooms, Carran was captured on Plymouth City Council CCTV outside holding his hand to his head victim and grabbing or punching them before they are out of sight.

Read more:

Carran is then seen on another nearby camera hitting the woman on the head and knocking her to the ground. He continues the assault by grabbing her by the throat and dragging her to the floor. An independent witness described Carran kicking the victim three times as if he were a football player.

Devon and Cornwall Police arrived at the scene and arrested Carran, who was later released on bail. After his release, his victim moved to Liverpool in an attempt to get away from him, but Carran later moved to the city, prompting the woman to contact Merseyside Police as she felt she couldn’t get away from him.

She revealed a history of domestic violence to Merseyside officers, including numerous assaults and incidents where Carran strangled her. A special attack made her go dark and bruised her neck. She also described how Carran controlled every aspect of her life, taking control of her phone and money and preventing her from seeing her family.

Carran returned to Cornwall and continued to try to contact the victim and the case was referred to Devon and Cornwall Police. He pleaded guilty to controlling/coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and strangulation without death and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. A restraining order was also issued to protect the woman involved.

Detective Constable PC Jack Chapman, Moonstone, said: “The bravery of the victim is what brought this case to our attention and the suspect to justice. She should be extremely proud of her strength and courage to stand up to Carran. This was a particularly challenging and complex domestic violence case and is a testament to the work that Plymouth Moonstone does every day.

“Regardless of a person’s situation or circumstances, all victims of domestic violence will receive our full support and crimes will be thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent of the law.”

Care of victims

If you have been affected by crime, please visit https://orlo.uk/cOqV8 to access support services and information about your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call the victim helpline on 08 08 16 89 111 or the Devon and Cornwall Police Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.