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An abusive man's coercive and controlling cruelty was uncovered after he was filmed repeatedly stabbing a doorbell camera with a large knife. Daniel Lytollis, 35, took the weapon to a house where his partner was staying in Carlisle, Cumbria, and bizarrely attacked the camera on the front door with the deadly blade.

Carlisle Crown Court heard when his terrified victim contacted the police about the incident in March 2025 she also reported years of abuse at his hands which she had captured in messages, voicemails and videos. On Thursday 29th January Lytollis, of Carlisle, admitted a string of offences including coercive and controlling behaviour and was jailed for two years and 10 months.

After the sentencing, Detective Constable Karen Minnion, of Cumbria Police, said: "Lytollis subjected the victim to various threats, controlling behaviour and caused damage to the victim's property.

"Lytollis's dangerous behaviour continued to escalate when he attended a family members address with a knife causing damage.

"His controlling behaviour involved him following the victim at work and making her take photos of her mileage to show how far she had travelled.

"We understand it can be difficult and distressing for victims of abuse to talk, however the Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual's circumstances."

The officer added: "This case highlights how behaviours can escalate and we would encourage anyone who has been victim to a domestic offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate.

"You will be supported throughout our investigation.

"These offences will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything within our power to hold them accountable for their actions and bring them to justice."

The court heard Lytollis's coercive and controlling behaviour came to light after he attended an address twice last spring - and on his second visit armed with a knife repeatedly stabbed the doorbell camera.

A car on the driveway was also scratched with a knife.

Lytollis was arrested at his home address where officers also suspected he may have been drink-driving, after empty bottles were found in his vehicle.

He refused to provide officers with a breath test at his home or in custody.

Cumbria Police said: "Following the incident a woman reported Lytollis's years of controlling and coercive behaviour, with messages, voicemails and videos showing his behaviour.

"One video Lytollis filmed himself with a knife in his pocket, he also left multiple threatening voicemails.

"A search was carried out at his address where officers located weapons including a machete. Also found was a white powder identified as cocaine."

He admitted engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, two counts of criminal damage and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He also admitted possessing an offensive weapon in a private place, failing to provide a preliminary breath/urine/blood test for analysis and possessing class A drugs.

Lytollis was also given a five year restraining order and a 25 month driving disqualification.