A Wiltshire man who carried out a 'series of abusive acts' including punching his victim in the face has been jailed for over two years.

Owen Coombs, 23, of Kings Court in Warminster, was sentenced at Swindon Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 3, for multiple domestic abuse crimes including engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, assault, actual bodily harm and possession of a class B drug.

The court heard how on August 26, 2024, the Wiltshire man argued with his victim.

When she attempted to report him for theft, Coombs grabbed the woman through a window and punched her in the face.

The incident was one of several abusive acts carried out by the 23-year-old, all directed at the same victim.

Praising the victim's courage for coming forward, local crime investigator Amanda Southey said: “Coombs subjected his victim to a series of abusive acts and without the victim coming forward and reporting these incidents to the police, we would have found it difficult to secure the sentence.

Owen Coombs was sentenced at Swindon Magistrate's CourtOwen Coombs was sentenced at Swindon Magistrate's Court (Image: Newsquest) “No one should have to undergo any form of physical violence and as a Force, we are here to listen to you and are committed to providing the necessary support to help bring you justice.

“Coercive control has a significant impact on a person and often causes long-term adverse effects on their emotional well-being.

"This can make it harder for a victim to come forward and I would like to thank the victim for their bravery in assisting our investigation."

Coombs was sentenced by Swindon Magistrate's Court to two years in prison for coercive and control, four months imprisonment for actual bodily harm and one month for battery, all of which will run consecutively.

He has also been given a five-year restraining order.

Following the sentencing, Wiltshire Police has now encouraged other domestic abuse victims to come forward.

"You should never feel alone in such circumstances and in making contact with us, you are doing the right thing," added crime investigator Southey.

"You can report crime to us through our website or by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

"We also have a list of local organisations where you can get support for victims of domestic violence."