Keralite in UK jailed for 17 years for ongoing domestic abuse for several years

LONDON Oct 8: A Keralite in UK has been jailed for 17 years for subjecting the victim to a long period of physical, sexual and emotional abuse over a number of years, a Thames Valley Police investigation has found.

Harikrishnan of Percy Street, Oxford, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court last week to a total of 17 years in prison.

Harikrishnan was found guilty by unanimous jury of the following: Five counts of rape, One count of coercive and controlling behaviour, One count of intentional strangulation, One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, One count of perverting the course of justice

He pleaded guilty to a further two counts of breaching a restraining order.

The victim in this case was subjected to a long period of sustained abuse both physical, sexual and emotional.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Marisa Chamberlain said: “Harikrishnan has been convicted of a number of serious and violent offences.

“He held a sustained campaign and subjected the victim to a long period of physical, sexual and emotional abuse over a number of years. He will now have to face the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case who has shown considerable courage and strength in reporting this to police and going through an investigation. This conviction is in no small part down to her incredible bravery and resilience.

“The sentence imposed by the court reflects the severity of the offences, and demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will always take reports of sexual offences seriously and will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

“Domestic abuse will never be tolerated. We remain committed to supporting victims, pursing offenders and preventing further harm.”

Harikrishnan used to beat his victim during a long period of abuse from early 2018. He attacked her on a number of occasions, damaged her belongings and used coercion to control her.

He also beat her so badly that she suffered bruising of her neck, arms and face, scratches, and a ligament injury following his attacks.

The woman bravely informed police about his actions who began an investigation.

While he was on police bail Harikrishnan continued to make contact with the victim in a bid to pervert the course of justice which the police and court took very seriously and warned the perpetrator.