Aiden Ford, a 40-year-old resident of Hanham, Bristol, has had his previously suspended sentence of three years escalated to an immediate term of four years and three months in prison. This decision was made following a referral by the Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Details of the Abusive Relationship
The court was informed that Ford embarked on a relationship with the victim in September 2024. However, between February and August 2025, he subjected her to a series of violent assaults and a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. This included confining her in his home, issuing threats to her life, and persistently harassing her after she attempted to terminate the relationship.
One particularly harrowing incident involved Ford forcing the victim into his car and driving her to a remote location. There, he restrained her in the passenger seat and assaulted her violently, causing her to fear for her life as he suffocated her with his forearm.
After the victim bravely reported the abuse, Ford exerted continuous pressure on her, ultimately convincing her to retract her statements made to the police.
Government Response and Legal Proceedings
In response to the severity of Ford’s actions, Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP remarked, “Aiden Ford subjected his victim to a sustained and terrifying campaign of violence and coercive control, leaving her genuinely fearing for her life. There is no excuse, and no place for domestic abuse in our society. Tackling violence against women and girls is my number one priority, and I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn Ford’s suspended sentence and increase his sentence following my referral.”
Initially, on 11 June 2026, at Cardiff Crown Court, Ford was sentenced to a three-year prison term, suspended for three years. This sentence encompassed one count of controlling and coercive behaviour, one count of suffocation, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one count of perverting the course of justice.
However, on 20 October 2026, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case and determined that Ford’s sentence should be increased to four years and three months’ imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of his offences.
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