When I met my kind and charming partner on a dating app at 50, I thought I’d finally found my happily ever after. Then he revealed his dark side, broke my ribs and left me covered in bruises. I repeatedly ignored the red flags…
Sarah, a 50-year-old Brighton dog groomer, says a relationship that began with flowers and charm became a campaign of abuse by Steve Burchett, 48. Burchett was sentenced after assaulting and controlling her, and Sarah has now spoken publicly to help others recognise warning signs.
They met on a dating app in November last year, and the abuse escalated within three or four months. Sarah says Burchett broke her ribs, strangled and bit her, left bruises and sent threatening messages; he also accused her of infidelity and tried to access her deleted messages. Lewes Crown Court sentenced him in September to concurrent terms of two years for controlling or coercive behaviour and 16 months for intentional strangulation, with a five-year restraining order. Sarah says she overlooked concerns about his relationships with former partners and children, and believed she could help him change.
In short
- Sarah says her partner’s charm gave way to months of abuse.
- Burchett received concurrent prison sentences and a restraining order.
- Sarah hopes sharing her experience will help others spot warning signs.
Explained simply
Domestic abuse can involve physical violence, threats and attempts to control a partner. Controlling or coercive behaviour is a criminal offence in England and Wales, and can include repeated actions that make someone feel isolated, monitored or afraid.
Sarah says the abuse began after she met Steve Burchett through a dating app and worsened over several months. Her account highlights how a relationship that first seems caring can change, and why concerns about a partner’s behaviour may be difficult to act on.
The case was heard at Lewes Crown Court, which deals with serious criminal cases in the area. Sarah has spoken publicly about her experience to help others recognise possible warning signs of abuse.
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