The first person in Brighton jailed for breaching a new domestic violence protection order introduced last month has been sent back to prison for yet another breach of his order.
Kahal Sene, 43, of Sillwood Road, Brighton was sent to prison for a further 28 days on Thursday (July 31) for his second breach of the Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) he had been given.
The new law, which came into force in June this year, gives police new powers to give extra protection to victims of domestic abuse. The perpetrator, in this case Kahal Sene, was issued a Domestic Violence Protection Notice. This meant he was not allowed to make any contact with the victim.
The notice is activated as soon as they are released from custody with the police then seeking a full Domestic Violence Prevention Order (DVPO). Sene was given an order on July 4, which was to last 28 days.
However on July 14, just 10 days later, he breached the condition of making contact the victim and was arrested and immediately brought in front of Brighton Magistrate’ Court. The magistrate sentenced him to one month in prison with immediate effect.
Sene was released from HMP Winchester on July 28 and immediately contacted the victim again, despite the DVPO remaining in place until July 31.
Detective Constable Paul Hitchcock of Brighton’s Safeguarding and Investigations Unit said: “A second custodial sentence of four weeks shows how seriously the courts take breaches of this kind. Sussex Police apply for DVPO’s at local magistrates courts and enforce them rigorously as they are a vital tool in ensuring the safety of victims of domestic abuse”.
For further information about the way the Notices and Orders work, go to;
/help-centre/ask-us/domestic-abuse/what-is-a-domestic-violence-protection-order-(dvpo)
/help-centre/ask-us/domestic-abuse/what-is-a-domestic-violence-protection-notice-(dvpn)
Sussex Police and partners have an ongoing campaign, including advertising and local events, aimed at encouraging all victims of domestic abuse to report incidents earlier before the abuse escalates, and at raising awareness of White Ribbon UK, an international organisation working to involve men in opposing violence and abuse against women
If you don’t want to talk to the police, talk to someone. These organisations can also help;
The 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247
www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
