A 45-year-old mother of three, Sheree Spencer, has been sentenced to four years in prison for abusing her husband over a 20-year period, subjecting him to physical and emotional violence. The abuse included punching, kicking, slapping, and biting, leaving her husband in a constant state of fear and feeling trapped.
As well as physically assaulting him, Spencer would also verbally abuse her husband, calling him derogatory names and forcing him to clean up after her. The extent of the abuse left her husband with a permanently disfigured ear and damaged belongings.
Prior to the sentencing, Judge Kate Rayfield described the abuse as “the worst case of controlling and coercive behaviour” she had seen. In addition to the prison term, Spencer was issued an indefinite restraining order against her victim.
Despite the sentencing, Spencer was observed smiling as she was escorted to the cells.
Spencer pleaded guilty to charges of coercive and controlling behavior as well as assaulting her husband, causing him bodily harm. The abuse was reported to have taken place between 2016 and 2021.
Michele Stuart-Lofthouse, the prosecutor, revealed that despite being together since 2000 and having three children, Spencer continued to exert control over her husband, even during Family Court hearings. Witness videos showcased the persistent physical and emotional abuse suffered by the victim.
In court, Spencer’s husband spoke about having to seek help from his GP on multiple occasions due to the abuse. The videos presented also depicted Spencer shouting orders at her husband after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
Defense lawyer Richard Pratt KC acknowledged the severity of the case, attributing alcohol consumption as a significant factor in the events. He stated that there was minimal mitigation that could be presented.
