A Harrogate man has been sentenced to 16 months in jail following years of abuse towards a former partner.
57-year-old Grant Morgan Cowlishawm, from East Parade, was sentenced at York Crown Court today (Friday).
On 22nd September, at York Crown Court, Cowlishaw changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in relation to a charge of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.
He was remanded in custody until his sentencing.
Cowlishaw was in a relationship with the victim for several years and in February 2025, the victim bravely reported the abuse she'd endured since April 2021.
Cowlishaw engaged in behaviour towards her which was controlling and coercive which had a serious effect on her, such as using violence against her on not less than three occasions, repeatedly degrading her by verbal remarks, as well as monitored her use of her phone.
Despite the relationship ending in February 2025, the abuse continued into March 2025 with Cowlishaw breaching his bail conditions by repeatedly sending messages to the victim and turning up at one of her relative's homes causing further distress for the victim.
The investigation has been led by Detective Constable David Whitehouse from North Yorkshire Police’s Harrogate Safeguarding Investigation Team.
He was able to support the victim throughout the investigation, and ensured she received professional care and support, including a referral to Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS).
In her personal statement, the victim said:
"Every day I feel such a deep and overwhelming sadness and confusion trying to understand how someone could tell me they love me yet treat me in a way that was so incredibly cruel.
"Telling my family that I had been suffering in my relationship was so incredibly difficult.
“I felt so embarrassed and ashamed that I had let him treat me the way he did.
“I had distanced myself from my family to keep the truth hidden from them."
DC Whitehouse said:
"The victim has shown great courage in reporting this abuse to police, putting an end to this abusive relationship which she had endured over an extended period.
"I hope Cowlishaw's sentence goes some way in helping the victim with closure and moving forward with her life with the help of her family and support network."
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