Dean Foord, 33, has been sentenced to three years in prison after a six-month campaign of abuse against his former partner in Rochester, Kent. The violent domestic abuser forced the woman to bark like a dog, isolated her from friends and family, and subjected her to physical and psychological torment.
Controlling behaviour and physical assaults
Canterbury Crown Court heard that Foord controlled nearly every aspect of the victim's life. He prevented her from contacting friends and family, monitored her social media accounts, and required her to seek his permission before leaving the house. He also refused to let her own a mobile phone, deliberately damaging any device she obtained. On one occasion, he forced her to sell her phone to repay one of his drug debts.
The court heard that Foord repeatedly assaulted the victim, including dragging her by the neck, pushing her to the ground, and banging her head against the floor. He also locked her in a room and forced her to bark like a dog before allowing her to leave.
Financial exploitation and threats
Prosecutors said Foord spent the victim's money on gambling, drugs, alcohol, and scratch cards. In another incident, he filmed himself threatening the woman with a knife while telling her he was going to kill her. He also threw a bucket of dirty water over her.
Arrest and sentencing
Police arrested Foord at his home in December 2025 after discovering him hiding inside a refrigerator in an attempt to evade capture. Body-worn camera footage showed him repeatedly asking officers to 'be nice' because he claimed to have a broken foot. Officers ordered him to come out before taking him into custody.
Foord denied the charges but was convicted of actual bodily harm, criminal damage, threats to kill, common assault, controlling and coercive behaviour, and possession of cocaine.
Police praise victim's courage
Following the sentencing, Police Constable George Fisher described Foord as 'a violent bully' who used fear, violence, and intimidation to dominate his victim's life. He also praised the victim for her courage in coming forward and helping secure the conviction.
