A teenager who was too immature to deal with his own problems and that of his partner became a control freak who wouldn't even let her go out to see her own brother or her friends without checking in on her, a court has heard.

Harry Hallett had been in a relationship with his girlfriend since there were both 15 and at first it was all rosy. However a sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court today (Friday, January 24) was told that over time the 19-year-old from Rosva Nansavalen, Truro, became increasingly coercive and controlling.

Ramsay Quaife, prosecuting, told the court that Hallett soon controlled who his partner was allowed to see, what she was allowed to wear, who she was in contact with and even checked her mobile phone on a regular basis.

It came to the boil on June 26 last year when the couple, who have a young son together, had an argument and he verbally and physically abused her.

At one point Hallett even grabbed a kitchen knife and held it a foot away from her throat and threatened to kill her and slit her throat "to make his life easier".

His victim managed to push him away and when Hallett fled the property she called the police. Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police attended the property and also discovered a collection of knives including an illegal zombie knife.

Hallett, who was previously of good behaviour, was later arrested but denied any intimidating behaviour in police interview. He later pleaded guilty to one charge possessing a zombie knife and another of engage in controlling/coercive behaviour in an intimate/family relationship.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, his victim said the incident had left her feeling scared and trapped in her own home. She said: "I'm normally outgoing but I'm now withdrawn. He doesn't allow me to see anyone unless he is with me. I feel like a prisoner and that he's capable of harming me. I believe he is capable of killing me."

Herc Ashworth, defending, said Hallett lacked maturity and insisted that he had only bought the zombie knife with a view to have it on display as part of a knife collection.

Mr Ashworth said Hallett lacked maturity both in terms of dealing with his personal problems and difficult background and with regards to dealing with his partner's own issues. He added: "He expresses remorse and has accepted his actions. His time in custody has made him realise that he has become a perpetrator. He appreciates his actions. He needs help and support."

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Hallett's barrister told the court that he had also put his time in custody to good use and has completed various courses to better himself.

His Honour Judge Simon Carr said assaulting one's partner and threatening her with a knife was no way to deal with personal issues or difficulties in a relationship.

About the zombie knife, Judge Carr said no-one has a need or right to own any zombie knife. He added that he had taken Hallett's childhood challenges and good behaviour on remand for the last six months and sentenced him to 13 months in prison. Hallett was released on licence due to time served.

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