Accrington man jailed for controlling and coercive behaviour

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 10:34

By Central Radio News

An Accrington man has been jailed for controlling and coercive behaviour.

Mark Illsley, 42, engaged in a course of conduct against his victim – a woman aged in her 30s.

He installed a tracker device in her car which was linked to an app on his phone, so he could see where she was.

Illsley would go through her phone, reading messages, checking apps, looking at her camera roll and even checking her Google Maps for recent destinations.

After a night out together, Illsley assaulted his victim by pushing her to the floor, pinning her by the neck to a door and then poured cold water over her.

Illsley, formerly of York Street, Accrington, appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentence after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, and criminal damage.

He was jailed for two years and 10 months and made subject of a restraining order regarding his victim for 10 years.

Speaking about the police investigation, the woman said: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much to every single person who has helped me over the past year.

“I will be forever grateful to all the hard work, support and dedication you have shown throughout this process.

“I never in a million years thought a result like this was possible. I had resigned myself to the fact that he would receive a suspended sentence.

“Neither me nor my family imagined we would get such a positive outcome.”

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, please report it and Lancashire Police will investigate thoroughly and support you.

Report it online via https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk or call 101. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress always call 999.

For help and support, visit https://noexcuseforabuse.co.uk.