Harsh sentence handed down at Shrewsbury Crown Court
A man from Hadley in Telford has been given a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to a string of serious domestic abuse offences affecting four separate women.
Joshua Turner, aged 31, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 28 August following earlier guilty pleas to rape, grievous bodily harm (GBH), perverting the course of justice and two counts of coercive control. The judge imposed a nine-year prison term with a further two years on extended licence.
Pattern of control, violence and threats recorded in court
Prosecutors told the court that Turner subjected his victims to prolonged patterns of abuse while in relationships with them. The offences included violent physical assaults and persistent controlling behaviour.
- One victim was kicked in the stomach while pregnant.
- On another occasion, the same victim had her arm broken during an altercation; Turner allegedly refused to call for medical assistance and threatened her into silence.
- Another woman described being prevented from seeing family and friends and subjected to relentless phone calls early in the relationship.
- A third victim reported being raped and later said the assault caused her to suffer flashbacks.
- A fourth woman said Turner bombarded her with around 50 calls while she was reporting crimes at a police station and subsequently continued to contact her from remand by letters and phone calls, pressuring her to withdraw her allegations.
"It causes her to have flashbacks,"
The comment above was taken from a victim impact statement read to the court concerning the woman who reported rape.
Previous pleas and sentencing measures
Court records show Turner had earlier pleaded guilty to some offences in June 2025, admitting coercive control and perverting the course of justice. In October 2025, on the first day of trial for the remaining charges, he entered guilty pleas to rape, additional counts of coercive control and GBH. He was remanded in custody pending sentence.
The judge also imposed ancillary orders intended to reduce future risk: Turner must comply with a sexual harm prevention order, notifying police of any new intimate relationships, and he is subject to restraining orders prohibiting contact with each of the victims.
Local policing response and implications for victims
Detective Sergeant Becky Jasper, who has been involved with the investigation, gave evidence during proceedings. The case highlights the complex dynamics of domestic abuse where psychological control and threats often accompany physical violence.
For local services, this sentencing reiterates the need for robust support for survivors: specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services, mental health support for trauma, and clear pathways for reporting and safeguarding. Victims in Telford and the surrounding areas are reminded that police and local victim support agencies can provide assistance and protection.
| Offence | Court outcome |
|---|---|
| Rape | Guilty plea; part of nine-year sentence |
| Grievous bodily harm | Guilty plea; included in sentence |
| Coercive control (two counts) | Guilty pleas; part of sentence |
| Perverting the course of justice | Guilty plea |
The sentence reflects judicial recognition of both the physical and psychological harm inflicted on multiple victims. The extended licence period is designed to provide ongoing supervision after release and reduce the risk of reoffending.
For residents, the case is a reminder of the severity with which the courts treat domestic abuse and sexual offending. Local agencies say they will continue efforts to identify victims, encourage reporting and provide necessary support through investigation and prosecution.
