A JUDGE at Basildon Crown Court, Her Honour Judge Siew Loke, has jailed a Stanford-le-Hope man for 20 months for continued violence against women.

Joseph Thomas, 37, of London Road, was found guilty by a jury of coercive and controlling behaviour. after it heard he pressured his partner to participate in simulated rapes and verbally abused her if she declined.

Judge Loke said the victim had suffered fear, insomnia, anxiety and depression as a result of her treatment by Thomas.

The judge also took into consideration a series of previous convictions on Thomas, a mechanic who worked for Redbridge Council, including violent offences against women in 2007 and 2009.