An "appalling and controlling" boyfriend has been put behind bars for keeping his girlfriend prisoner.

Blair Crittenden, of no fixed address, subjected his Chatham partner to a six-month campaign of intimidation and harassment which ended with him shoving her into her car and kidnapping her for 14 hours.

Between July and September, Crittenden would refuse to leave his partner's home, take her house keys and stalk her from room to room.

He monitored her phone and iPad, and hacked into her social media accounts so she could not message her friends and family.

The 32-year-old would violently attack her and her property and force her to give him money.

On Tuesday, September 3 the victim managed to call the police and Crittenden was arrested.

He was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, harassment with violence, and criminal damage.

"He intimidated her, isolated her and watched her every move so that she was unable to be free of him" - PC Alexander Bailey

Later he was released on bail on condition that he had no contact with the victim and was not allowed near her address.

But on Sunday, October 6 Crittenden forced his way into her property.

He refused to leave, taking her keys, phone, and keeping her prisoner in her own home.

The following morning, fearing someone would discover him, he pushed her into her car and drove her to various locations around Medway and Swale until late into the evening.

Whilst in a toilet the victim managed to get a message to a friend who then called the police.

Crittenden was found hiding under a bed at the victim’s home by officers the next day.

He was arrested and remanded in custody.

Yesterday at Maidstone Crown Court he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for kidnap, false imprisonment, intimidation, criminal damage, controlling and coercive behaviour, and harassment.

Investigating officer, PC Alexander Bailey, said: "Crittenden controlled the victim through fear and kept her a prisoner in her home where she should have felt safe.

"He intimidated her, isolated her and watched her every move so that she was unable to be free of him.

"I am pleased Crittenden's appalling behaviour has resulted in a significant custodial sentence and I praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward.

"Hopefully this will encourage victims of this type of behaviour to have the confidence to do the same."

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