Man sentenced to almost five years for coercive and controlling behaviour

Mark Anthony Yates

A man described by police as a “serial perpetrator” who admitted to numerous assaults on a woman as well as coercive and controlling behaviour has been jailed today.

Mark Anthony Yates (41) from Middlesbrough was arrested by detectives last year and charged with the offences in July.

The abuse was reported to have taken place over a long period of time and had left the victim with physical injuries and in great fear.

Today Yates was sentenced to four years and 11 months.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Matthew Kirby said: “Firstly I’d like to pay tribute to the victim in this case – she showed great bravery in disclosing what had been going on over that period and despite Yates’ continued attempts to control and intimidate her, she fully supported our investigation.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Cleveland Police and anyone who carries out physical, mental or emotional abuse must be stopped.

“We’ll continue to work with victims and specialist local partners as we investigate reports of abuse, and we’ll support victims throughout our investigations and any court process.

“I welcome today’s sentence and I hope it brings a degree of comfort to the victim as she continues to rebuild her life.”