Harrison Ackland

Harrison Ackland, a 28-year-old man from Billericay in Essex, was convicted at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, 23 January 2024, following a trial that commenced earlier that week. The jury, consisting of ten men and twelve women, unanimously found him guilty of ten serious crimes committed against one woman, including six counts of rape, one count of intentional strangulation, one count of intentional suffocation, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), and one count of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour.

The trial revealed a pattern of domestic violence and sexual abuse inflicted by Ackland on his victim. Evidence presented included the woman's testimony, in which she described how Ackland exerted control over her life. 'I think everything with Harrison was all about control,' she stated in a police interview that was played to the jurors. She explained that she had concealed the relationship from her loved ones due to embarrassment. Incidents detailed in court included Ackland flying into a jealous rage over a text message from a relative containing kisses, leading to a violent attack. He also falsely accused her of infidelity with a female friend and frequently questioned her activities when she went out with friends.

Physical evidence was central to the case, with photographs shown to the jury depicting bruises on the woman's leg, arm, and eye. The court heard how Ackland had strangled her so severely on one occasion that her eyeball turned red, prompting her to seek medical attention. She informed her doctor that Ackland was responsible for the injury. Witnesses testified to interrupting one episode of violent abuse. Ackland admitted to slapping, biting, spitting on, and pulling the hair of his victim but boasted that he never used a closed fist to punch her.

Sexual violence formed a significant part of the offences, with the woman alleging multiple instances of non-consensual penetration. In one particularly harrowing account, Ackland had warned her in advance after an argument that he intended to force himself upon her. When he carried out the act, he reportedly said, 'I told you what was going to happen.' These details underscored the coercive nature of their relationship, as explored through the charge of controlling behaviour.

The case was reported by Charles Thomson, Crime & Investigations Reporter for the Echo News, drawing on court proceedings at Basildon Crown Court in Essex. Ackland, residing on Morris Avenue in Billericay, awaits sentencing scheduled for 20 March 2024.