A LAWYER has won a restraining order against her cruel ex after he repeatedly fat-shamed her during their relationship.
Jennifer Riddaway was branded ”morbidly obese” by 50-year old James Lawlan whenever they rowed.
The conveyancing expert was so hurt by the comments she would book into hotels overnight to avoid him.
The emotional abuse also left her with a lack of ”self worth” and she suffered with depression as a result.
Jennifer bravely called the police when Lawlan placed a GPS tracking device on her car and told her he knew which hotel she was staying at.
He shamelessly tried to worm his way out by claiming he only insulted his ex when she called him out on his excessive drinking.
But Lawlan, who lives with his mother in Bebbington on The Wirral, has now received a five-year restraining order after he admitted stalking.
In an emotional statement, Jennifer said she suffered from depression as a result of “months and years” of struggling with Lawlan’s behaviour.
She added: “Being called morbidly obese and fat all the time was extremely hurtful and impacted my self worth. My colleague said I am a shadow of my former self.
“This is I believe due to the anxiety caused by James. Never knowing what I would be coming home to I had taken to staying in hotels to avoid going home.
“I was physically sick when I found out the GPS tracker was on my car. This is the most profound breach of trust I have suffered.
“I am absolutely heartbroken to have lost what I thought was my soulmate. I am broken.”
Chester Magistrates’ Court heard twice-married Lawlan stalked Jennifer between August 10 and October 13 of this year.
Lisa McGuire, prosecuting said: “This was conduct designed to maximise fear and distress. This was planned and persistent action over a prolonged period.
“The victim personal statement sets out the distress caused to the victim in this case.
“This is a domestic abuse case and of course the Crown submit that the matter is aggravated by that context.”
Domestic abuse – how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
- Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
- Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
- Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
- Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
As well as the restraining order, Lawlan was handed an 18-month community order with requirements he completes 20 days of rehabilitation activity and six months of alcohol treatment
He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and fined £199 in costs and a surcharge.
Sentencing, Deputy District Judge Imran Hussain said: “References to the victim’s weight amount to emotional abuse but you say that was because she made reference to your drinking.
“You struggle to have insight into how your behaviour would harm the victim and unless those issues are addressed you will struggle with healthy relationships. In my view you are minimising this issue.”
