Man Sentenced to Prison for Coercive Control and Forced Breast Surgery Demand
A man who ordered his partner to undergo breast surgery as part of a campaign of coercive control has been jailed for over three years. David Chandler, 56, was described by police as "both shocking and abhorrent" for his actions, which included intentional strangulation and assault.
Pattern of Abuse and Control
Chandler's abuse occurred between June 23, 2024, and 2025 in New Milton and Waterlooville. He pleaded not guilty but was convicted following an eight-day trial at Portsmouth Crown Court. The court heard how Chandler used jealous rages to attack his victim if he believed she had looked at another man, banning her from speaking to other men entirely.
His controlling behaviour extended to demanding she have breast surgery to "alter her appearance in front of other men," a demand police described as particularly degrading. Chandler also monitored her mobile phone, threatened to damage her property, and made threats against her relatives.
Business Interference and Physical Violence
Chandler interfered extensively in the business his partner ran, forcing changes to its name, appearance, and services. He prohibited male customers, compelled her to delete social media accounts, and damaged business property. The court heard he "demeaned and undermined the woman by compelling her to degrade herself in front of her business clients."
The physical violence included intentional strangulation on March 29 last year, along with multiple assaults between June 2024 and June 2025 where he strangled her, grabbed her head, slapped her, pulled her hair, and restrained her.
Police Response and Sentencing
DC Andrew Mason of the Havant and Waterlooville criminal investigations department stated: "To see Chandler sentenced to over three years imprisonment is a result I am happy with, as he deserves to be behind bars for the physical, emotional, mental and financial abuse he has put the victim through."
He added: "The lengths to which Chandler went to control the victim in all aspects of her life is both shocking and abhorrent. His behaviour has caused serious alarm and distress to the victim, which has understandably had a substantial adverse effect on her."
DC Mason commended the victim's strength and bravery throughout the investigation and court process, noting that her courage was essential in achieving justice. The case highlights the severe consequences of coercive controlling behaviour in domestic relationships.
