Man jailed for falsely imprisoning and assaulting his partner

A 33-year-old man has been jailed today, following the death of 36-year-old Charissa Brown-Wellington.

On 2 February this year, Bobby Jo Hardman contacted Charissa’s mother and told her that Charissa had stopped breathing. Emergency services were called but Charissa sadly died.

The post-mortem confirmed that Charissa had died as a result of a drug overdose; but the Pathologist noted that Charissa had sustained numerous injuries; including a broken nose and significant bruising on her head, face, stomach, arms and legs.

Hardman had inflicted these injures upon Charissa over a prolonged two-day period and had refused to let her leave the address where they were staying in Bury, Greater Manchester.

Charissa’s family were aware she was suffering abuse at the hands of Hardman, but they didn’t know where she was living, so despite their attempts, were unable to help her.

Hardman initially pleaded not guilty to Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and False Imprisonment of Charissa, but later accepted his guilt.

The Court heard that the offences were committed against a background of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour. In an emotional Victim Impact Statement Charissa’s mother said: “We were heartbroken seeing what he had done to her; all the bruises. We cannot unsee what we have seen. Me and my family will miss her forever. We had plans to go back into education together and to help her children make successes of themselves. I am determined to still do this, and when I do, I will do it with my daughter in mind.”

Hardman was sentenced today at Minshull Street Crown Court to a total of six years in prison including a two-year extended licence.

Kirsty Walls, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “Bobby Jo Hardman was a controlling and violent partner to Charissa Brown-Wellington. Charissa suffered both physical and emotional harm at his hands, he cut her off from friends and family and showed no remorse following her death.

"The CPS worked with the Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case including witness testimony and medical evidence to put before the court. The strength of evidence was such that Hardman, having previously denied all charges, admitted that he had assaulted and imprisoned Charissa Brown-Wellington.

"I hope Charissa’s family can take some comfort from knowing that Hardman has been brought to justice. My thoughts are with them at this time.”