Ijaz Saeed, a 40-year-old man from West Yorkshire, England, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison after a court found him guilty of coercive control and assaulting his partner. In one shocking incident, after a violent attack, Saeed forced his partner to leave their home, leading her to spend the night sleeping in the woods. This extreme act of control is just one of many examples of Saeed’s abusive and manipulative behavior throughout their relationship, which was marked by controlling behavior, possessiveness, and ongoing harassment even after their separation.
Controlling Behavior and Coercive Control
Yorkshire Live reports that Saeed’s relationship with his partner began in 2018, following his release from prison for previous drug offenses. Initially described as “very good,” the relationship quickly deteriorated as Saeed’s controlling behavior intensified. His partner was subjected to constant surveillance, with Saeed monitoring her phone, social media accounts, and dictating her social circle—especially forbidding her from interacting with male friends.
During the trial at Leeds Crown Court, prosecutor Brian Russwell revealed that Saeed habitually controlled what his partner wore, where she went, and even restricted her social interactions. His jealous tendencies manifested through constant accusations and manipulation, convincing her that she was “worthless.” The victim was left questioning her every action, apologizing for minor behaviors, and feeling the need to justify her daily activities.
Physical Violence and Isolation
The court heard how Saeed’s controlling behavior escalated into physical violence on multiple occasions. In March 2021, the victim was attacked, with Saeed punching and kicking her in the ribs, leaving her in excruciating pain. He refused to take her to the hospital, and she later discovered her ribs were swollen and bruised, requiring 12 weeks of recovery.
In a separate incident in March this year, Saeed pushed his partner into a wardrobe, punched her, and then forced her to leave their home. With nowhere to go, she spent the night in the woods. The next morning, her daughter found her injured, with bruises and swelling on her forehead.
Saeed’s actions left his partner feeling trapped in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. She later told the court that even after she attempted to leave multiple times, Saeed’s coercive control would pull her back into the toxic relationship.
Stalking After Separation
Despite the relationship ending in April, Saeed’s stalking behavior intensified. He would frequently drive by his ex-partner’s home and turn up at her location uninvited, a clear attempt to maintain control over her life. His ex-partner reported feeling constantly monitored, fearing that someone was watching her on Saeed’s behalf. This post-separation abuse and harassment left her struggling with anxiety, sleeplessness, and heightened fears of being harmed.
Stalking is a common continuation of coercive control in many abusive relationships, where abusers attempt to maintain power even after a breakup. The victim stated that she had removed herself from social media out of fear, adding that Saeed had stolen her children’s memory boxes and sold her personal possessions. The harassment contributed to her ongoing psychological distress, demonstrating the long-term effects of coercive and controlling behavior.
Distorted Perception
During the sentencing, it was revealed that Saeed had shown little remorse for his actions. In his interviews with the probation officer, Saeed claimed that he believed he could be a “spokesman for men,” showing a lack of understanding and insight into the harm he had caused. The judge, Recorder Moxon, noted Saeed’s comments as evidence of his distorted mindset and disregard for his partner’s well-being.
Saeed’s defense team argued that he regretted his behavior and expressed a desire for rehabilitation. Despite these claims, the court imposed a restraining order to protect his ex-partner. The order prohibits Saeed from contacting her, approaching any location she resides in, or remaining near any premises where she is present.
Featured image: Ijaz Saeed Source: West Yorkshire Police
