The victim of an explosion in Chippenham has been charged with abusing his girlfriend over three years.
Kyle Roe, who was nearly killed in a gas blast at his flat in Market Place back in 2017, is accused of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour in a relationship.
The 25-year-old, of Manor Yard, West Overton, is also accused of a number of assaults on the alleged victim – including an assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, yesterday (Monday 27 February) told Swindon Magistrates’ Court that it was the Crown’s case that the defendant used financial control and emotional abuse on the woman, along with physical attacks.
He said that police were called to the village near Marlborough on 24 February after the woman reportedly fled their home and disclosed the alleged abuse to a third party.
Mr Ballinger alleged that in one of the assaults, Roe put his arm around the woman’s throat and squeezed until she struggled to breathe – causing bruising to her chest.
It’s said that when she broke free from his clutches, she fled the scene but he pushed her to the ground. It’s alleged that he again – whilst on the ground – targeted her throat and she struggled for air.
On another occasion, it’s alleged he spat in her face, Mr Ballinger added. He claimed that Roe controls her money, who she speaks to and constantly makes abusive comments towards her.
Describing it as “persistent action over three years” and the fact one of the assaults involved strangulation, he asked for the case to be sent to Swindon Crown Court and the defendant to be remanded in custody.
Liz Highams, defending, opposed a remand in custody, stating that her client is living with his mother in Broomfield, Chippenham, and his former partner has fled to an unknown location.
District Judge Joanna Dickens spared Roe time in prison. She bailed him with conditions to live and sleep at his mother’s address, not to go to West Overton (save for one visit with a police officer) and not to contact the alleged victim.
He will next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Swindon Crown Court on 31 March.
