Police officers have praised the courage of a victim who helped bring her abuser to justice for a series of offences.
Joshua Luke Copperthwaite, aged 23 and of Portland, was jailed for a campaign of abuse against a woman who was known to him.
On Wednesday 9 April 2025 officers responded to a report that the defendant had been making threats to the victim, including saying he had a knife and sending her an image of a hammer in his car, and was on the way to her house.
Officers located Copperthwaite and found him in possession of a hammer.
With the defendant in custody, the victim was safeguarded and went on to disclose a series of abusive behaviour over a period of around three years. This included trapping her in a room, physically assaulting her and threatening her at knifepoint.
A full investigation was launched, with officers compiling evidence including a large volume of threatening and abusive messages sent by Copperthwaite to his victim.
Following detailed enquiries, he was charged and subsequently admitted offences of false imprisonment, controlling and coercive behaviour, threats to kill and threatening a person with a bladed article in a public place.
Copperthwaite was sentenced on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to a total of three years in prison and was also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order, preventing him from contacting the victim.
Investigations Officer Kat Allen, of Dorset Police, said: “Joshua Copperthwaite subjected his victim to a campaign of sustained abuse over an extended period and I am full of admiration for the bravery she has shown in coming forward to disclose his offending behaviour and support our subsequent investigation.
“Her courageous actions have led to Copperthwaite being held accountable for his despicable behaviour.
“I hope the strength shown by his victim helps others to come forward and report domestic abuse in the knowledge that they will be fully supported and we will take robust action against perpetrators.”
If you have been a victim of domestic abuse or you know someone who is being abused, please report it to Dorset Police, this can be done in confidence. If abuse is in progress and someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, please contact us via the Dorset Police website or by calling 101.
Support services available for victims of domestic abuse include the following:
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hrs) 0808 2000 247
• Victim Support 0300 3030 163
• Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Domestic Abuse Referrals & Support Line: 01202 710 777
• Dorset (Paragon) 0800 032 5204
• Mankind Initiative 01823 334244
• National Men’s Advice Line (Respect) 0808 8010327
• Waterlily Project 01202 246763
• STARS 01202 308840
• Paladin (Stalking) 020 3866 4107
• The Shores 0800 970 9954
• NCDV for support with Non Molestation/Occupation/Prohibited Steps orders 0800 970 2070
