In 2024, the Offender Database recorded that Lee Blatchford was sentenced to 35 months in prison for a “campaign” of violent and controlling behaviour. Blatchford—of Plymouth, Devon—pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, perverting the course of justice, assault by beating, and two counts of intentional strangulation. It was reported that the abuse escalated rapidly within a one-year relationship, during which Blatchford subjected his former partner to physical violence, financial exploitation, and extreme digital monitoring.
The investigation established that Blatchford isolated the victim from her children, frequently locked her inside the house, and seized her bank cards to withdraw her money. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that the defendant forced the victim to keep her phone in his constant view so he could examine her private messages. The prosecution reported that when the relationship ended in March 2024, Blatchford followed the victim to her home and strangled her to the point that she struggled to breathe, only being forced out with the help of the victim’s daughter.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that even after being arrested and bailed, Blatchford continued his predatory behaviour by waiting outside the victim’s property in breach of his conditions. Plymouth Crown Court heard that he lured the victim back to his house, providing her with crack cocaine to convince her to stay, before strangling her twice more when she attempted to leave. The investigation established that while held in custody, Blatchford committed further offences by making calls from prison to pressure others into contacting the victim to drop the case.
Judge-led proceedings resulted in the 35-month custodial term, though it was reported that Blatchford was released early and almost immediately recalled to prison for further breaches. For his actions in Plymouth, he is now scheduled for re-release later in April 2026. The judge noted that the charge of perverting the course of justice highlighted Blatchford’s persistent refusal to respect legal boundaries or the safety of his victim, marking him as a high-risk offender within the domestic setting.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Devon, the status of Lee Blatchford as of April 4, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RE-RELEASE SCHEDULED (April 2026; following recall).
- Licence Status: Subject to strict post-release supervision and recall conditions.
- Restraining Order: Indefinite order protecting the victim and her daughter.
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Controlling and coercive behaviour; Intentional strangulation; Perverting the course of justice).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court; monitored by Devon and Cornwall Police.
- Criminal Record: Multiple counts of strangulation; Financial abuse; Witness intimidation from prison.
- Origin: Plymouth, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Blatchford is managed as a high-risk violent offender within the Plymouth area. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the repeated strangulation of a partner and the use of Class A drugs to facilitate captivity, his management is a maximum priority for the local MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) team. Authorities state that his history of breaching bail and attempting to intimidate the victim from behind bars indicates a high probability of further non-compliance.
As a convicted violent offender, Blatchford’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his upcoming release to Plymouth will be subject to the most rigorous licence conditions, including a total ban on contacting the victim or entering specific exclusion zones. Any failure to notify police of his residency, any attempt to contact the complainant via third parties, or any reported return to “controlling” behaviour will result in immediate arrest and return to prison to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of domestic violence.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was recalled almost immediately after his first release and attempted to subvert justice from prison, do you believe that “Automatic Early Release” should be legally prohibited for any individual convicted of intentional strangulation?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.