A MAN has been sentenced for a series of offences against his former partner, including coercive and controlling behaviour which left her in fear for her safety.

Kane Watson, 26, unemployed, of Priory Road, Hastings, was sentenced when he appeared at Hove Crown Court on Tuesday, October 24, having pleaded guilty at Brighton Crown Court on September 25 to making repeated contact with the woman in Hastings.

By doing so he was in breach of a court non-molestation order.

He also disclosed a private sexual photograph without her consent, with the intention of causing her distress.

He had pleaded not guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour towards the same woman but was convicted of that offence.

Watson was given a three-year Community Order, ordered to undertake 300 hours of unpaid work, and was given a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was also given a Restraining Order, to last indefinitely, prohibiting him from any contact with the victim.

Watson was found not guilty of three charges of rape.

In July 2015, the victim ended the relationship with Watson after his assaults left her with a bruised jaw and ribs, for which he was sentenced to 18 months in prison in September 2015.

During his time in prison Watson contacted the victim by using a mobile phone illegally kept in his cell and making threats against her.

However, days after he was released in 2016 they met again.

The victim explained that this was through fear and gradually Watson became more and more controlling of everything she did, making further threats to her as well as to her family.

The victim was terrified of him and he then in July 2016 posted a number of intimate photos of her on Facebook and sent threatening messages and calls to her and her family.

At that stage the victim contacted the police who immediately investigated and arrested Watson.

Detective Constable Jane Husher said: "This was a very distressing case and we are glad to have been able to ensure the victim was taken out of harm's way, and that Watson has been effectively dealt with by the courts.

"We will always seek to support people who come to us for protection and justice in such cases.

"As well as investigating we can help victims gain access to sources of support, advice and counselling."