A man who held a woman in Surrey prisoner and left her feeling "trapped and lost" has avoided immediate jail after a court heard how she was physically prevented from leaving a property.
Stephen Oyston, 66, from Godalming, prevented the survivor from leaving a property in January 2023 after taking her keys and electronic devices.
A court heard he repeatedly stood in front of her, blocking her exit, and threatened to falsely report her to police if she contacted them.
Although her car keys were later returned, Oyston had deflated the tyres, leaving her unable to leave by vehicle.
The incident continued overnight, with internal CCTV capturing parts of the ordeal while the survivor remained at the property without a means of transport and unable to leave freely.
At Guildford Crown Court on Friday (June 19, Oyston was convicted of false imprisonment.
He was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, undertake 12 mental health treatment sessions, and made subject to a five-year restraining order, meaning he avoided immediate jail.
In a victim impact statement, the survivor described the lasting emotional impact of what she experienced.
She said: "Before I met him, I was a confident, sociable, ambitious and outgoing person.
"Now, I often take each day as it comes, and at times, survival feels like my only goal.
"During the incident itself, I felt completely trapped and unable to escape the situation.
"The impact of what I experienced extends far beyond the incident itself.
"I feel that much of the person I once was has been lost."
Investigating officer PC Nina Hume said the case reflected the serious impact of false imprisonment on victims.
She said: "This was a serious incident of false imprisonment which left the survivor feeling trapped and unable to leave the property.
"Behaviour of this nature can have a profound impact on victims, causing fear, distress and a lasting loss of confidence and independence.
"I would like to commend the survivor for the courage she has shown in supporting this investigation, which was key in bringing the case before the court.
"If you believe someone is exerting control over you, or you feel unsafe in a relationship or situation, please report it to us.
"You will be listened to, supported and taken seriously."
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