A MILESTONE was marked in the battle against domestic abuse, thanks to a Surrey Police “first”.

The force now leads the way following England’s first conviction for coercive behaviour without a victim statement

Steven Saunders, 31, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for coercive and controlling behaviour against his partner. at Guildford Crown Court last month.

As well as the jail sentence, Saunders also received an additional three months for failing to fulfil a community order from a previous case and an indefinite restraining order.

According to the Ministry of Justice, it was the first case where hearsay evidence alone led to a conviction, without the need for a victim statement or involvement from an already vulnerable and terrified victim.

Saunders had manipulated and controlled his partner to the extent of removing her from the safety of supported accommodation where she was living, forcing her to live on the streets.

He spent her benefits, held her bank card, and forced her to shoplift. He also sold her mobile phone.

Saunders was finally brought to justice thanks to the intervention of a midwife, and further evidence submitted from other medical professional, social services and the police.

As well as displaying his behaviour it also revealed the fear she was living under as a result.

Charges were bought against Saunders without the victim – who felt worn out and fearful of him – needing to give a statement.

Detective Constable Seb Valentine, who led the investigation, said: “Saunders was placing his vulnerable partner and unborn child in great danger.

“He was aggressive and manipulative and wanted to retain full control over her.

“Such coercive and controlling behaviour has been a criminal offence since 2015, but securing a conviction on hearsay evidence is unusual, and this is the first example of it for this crime.

“I am pleased to say the victim has now been relocated and is determined to re-build her life away from Saunders.”

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: “This case marks a really significant milestone in the ongoing battle against domestic abuse and is a testament to the sheer hard work and determination of those agencies in Surrey working together to tackle it.

“More importantly, it is a great outcome for the survivor in this case, who is now able to rebuild her life away from the clutches of a clearly manipulative and controlling abuser.

“I hope this case sends out a clear message to those who believe they can use control and fear to silence their partners that there is no longer any hiding place for those that perpetrate domestic abuse.

“It also demonstrates that agencies at the forefront of tackling this crime will use all those powers at their disposal to bring offenders to justice and help survivors reach places of safety,” Mr Munro added.