Locations
Hadley, Telford, Shropshire, TF1
Description
A man has been given a nine-year sentence for a number of domestic abuse related offences against four women, including the rape of one of his victims.
Joshua Turner, of Hadley in Telford, was handed the sentence at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday (28 August) after previously pleading guilty to rape, grievous bodily harm, perverting the course of justice and two counts of coercive control.
The court heard how the 31-year-old subjected his victims to years of abuse while in relationships with them.
The judge was told how Turner kicked one of the women in her stomach when she was pregnant. He also broke her arm during a separate argument and refused to call an ambulance, threatening her not to tell anyone how she had received the injury.
Another victim said how she was not allowed to see her family and friends, and at the start at their relationship Turner would bombard her with phone calls while she was out with friends.
A third victim bravely reported to police that Turner had raped her, which in a victim impact statement read out to the judge said it causes her to have flashbacks.
A fourth woman told the judge how she reported Turner's abuse to police and while she was in the police station he called her 50 times. In a statement also read out in court she told the judge Turner continued to contact her via letters and phone calls while on remand in prison threatening her to drop the charges.
In June 2025 Turner pleaded guilty to coercive control, and perverting the cause of justice. Then in October 2025 on the first day of his trial for the other two offences he pleaded guilty to rape, coercive control and grievous bodily harm.
Turner was then remanded in custody to await sentencing, which took place on Friday (28 August) where he was handed a nine-year sentence, with a further two years to be served on an extended licence.
The judge also ordered Turner to be placed on a sexual harm prevention order, which now means he must inform police of any new relationships. He was also given a restraining order against each victim, meaning he cannot contact them.
Detective Sergeant Becky Jasper said:
"Turner subjected four women to sustained and controlling abuse over a number of years, causing significant physical and emotional harm. His actions were cruel, manipulative and have had a lasting impact on each of his victims.
"I would like to commend the bravery of the women who came forward and reported Turner's offending. We know how difficult it can be for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence to speak to police, particularly when they have been subjected to threats, coercion and controlling behaviour.
"Thanks to their courage, Turner has been held accountable for his crimes and is now facing a significant prison sentence. I hope this outcome provides reassurance that reports of domestic abuse and sexual offences will be taken seriously, and that we will do everything we can to support victims and bring offenders to justice."