Michael Bradbury of Timperley Imprisoned for Coercive Control and Assault on Partner

Key Points

• Michael Bradbury, 39, of Oakley Court, Timperley, sentenced to three years and four weeks imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court.
• Convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour and harassment with violence to secure entry on 5 November 2025.
• Abuse spanned five years, escalating to a violent attack in November 2023 witnessed by victim’s teenage daughter.
• Bradbury forced entry by kicking through glass patio doors, launched brutal assault; daughter intervened by striking him over the head while her boyfriend called 999.
• Victim fled to neighbour’s home, received hospital treatment for significant injuries; incident captured on CCTV, supported by medical evidence and witness statements.
• Police uncovered wider pattern of controlling, threatening, and violent behaviour previously unreported.
• Bradbury arrested hiding in attic of another property; denied responsibility in interviews but evidence overwhelming.
• Victim’s impact statement detailed five years wasted, loss of confidence, financial costs including £10,000 annual pay cuts, property damage repairs, security installations like cameras, lighting, and bedroom barricade built by father.
• Victim feared for life: “I thought he was going to kill me”; children affected with anxiety, panic attacks, and distorted views of relationships.
• Detective Constable Grace Ellcock praised victim’s bravery, emphasised police commitment to tackling domestic abuse and coercive control.
• Police urged anyone experiencing abuse to come forward for safety.

Timperley (Manchester Mirror) January 23, 2026 – Michael Bradbury, 39, of Oakley Court, Timperley, received a sentence of three years and four weeks imprisonment today following his conviction for a sustained campaign of violence, coercive control, and intimidation against his partner. The abuse, which left the victim and her children living in fear, was detailed at Manchester Crown Court where Bradbury was found guilty on 5 November 2025 of controlling and coercive behaviour and harassment with violence to secure entry.

What Triggered the Escalating Violence?

The court heard harrowing details of Bradbury’s abusive behaviour over a five-year period, culminating in a violent attack in November 2023 witnessed by the victim’s teenage daughter. As reported across court proceedings covered by local outlets, Bradbury forced entry to the victim’s home by kicking through glass patio doors before launching a brutal assault. The victim’s daughter attempted to intervene but Bradbury continued relentlessly; in desperation, she struck him over the head whilst her boyfriend called 999. The victim fled to a neighbour’s home and was later taken to hospital for emergency treatment for significant injuries. CCTV footage captured the incident, further supported by medical evidence and witness statements.

How Did Police Uncover the Full Extent of Abuse?

Following the attack, police established that this violent episode formed part of a much wider pattern of controlling, threatening, and violent behaviour that had previously gone unreported. Bradbury was found hiding in the attic of another property and was arrested. Despite denying responsibility during police interviews, the evidence against him proved overwhelming. This revelation came from investigative efforts that pieced together unreported incidents spanning years, transforming a single assault report into a comprehensive case of coercive control.

What Did the Victim Reveal in Her Impact Statement?

In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, the victim described the devastating toll Bradbury’s abuse had taken on their life and family. “I feel like I’ve wasted five years of my life. Before I met him, I was confident and happy, building a good life for my kids. Now everything has fallen apart,” the victim said. The statement revealed the financial cost of the abuse, with thousands spent repairing damage Bradbury caused to vehicles and property, and the victim taking two pay cuts totalling £10,000 annually “just to keep him calm.” The victim described installing security cameras and lighting, and having their father build a barricade in the bedroom so they could lock themselves and the children in if Bradbury appeared. “It’s still there – a reminder of how frightened I was and still am. I thought he was going to kill me,” they said. The impact on the children was particularly distressing, with one child now suffering anxiety and panic attacks, whilst another witnessed traumatic events that may affect their understanding of healthy relationships. “I’ve lost time, confidence, and trust. I feel broken, ashamed, and humiliated,” the victim added, expressing a desire to simply “move on” and reclaim their life.

Why Did Police Praise the Victim’s Courage?

Detective Constable Grace Ellcock, who led the investigation, commended the victim’s bravery in coming forward and supporting the prosecution. “The bravery shown by the victim in coming forward to report ongoing abuse, and fully supporting the prosecution, has been instrumental in bringing a dangerous offender to justice,” DC Ellcock said. She emphasised the police’s dedication to protecting women and girls and listening to anyone who comes forward to report abuse. “I hope this case demonstrates our commitment to acting on what we are told and tackling domestic abuse and coercive control head on,” she added. DC Ellcock urged anyone experiencing abuse to come forward so police can help keep them and their families safe.

What Broader Context Does This Case Highlight?

This sentencing underscores the hidden nature of coercive control, often escalating unnoticed until a breaking point. Court records detailed how Bradbury’s actions isolated the victim financially and emotionally, a pattern common in such cases. The involvement of children as witnesses amplifies the long-term societal impact, with experts noting potential intergenerational effects on relationship norms. Greater Manchester Police’s involvement reflects regional efforts to address domestic violence, aligning with national campaigns for victim support.

How Was Evidence Compiled Against Bradbury?

Evidence compilation relied heavily on the November 2023 incident’s documentation: CCTV, medical reports confirming significant injuries, and the teenage daughter’s account of intervening. Police investigations post-arrest revealed prior unreported threats and control tactics. Bradbury’s attic concealment suggested awareness of guilt, contrasting his interview denials. Witness statements from the neighbour and daughter’s boyfriend corroborated the timeline and severity.

What Are the Long-Term Effects on the Family?

The victim’s statement highlighted profound changes: from confidence to shame, financial stability to pay cuts and repair costs. Children’s trauma includes clinical anxiety and panic attacks in one, and warped relationship perceptions in another. The bedroom barricade remains as a physical symbol of ongoing fear. Rebuilding involves therapy, security maintenance, and time, as the victim seeks to “move on.”

Who Is Michael Bradbury and His Background?

Michael Bradbury, aged 39, resided at Oakley Court, Timperley, prior to sentencing. No prior public record details his background beyond the case, but the five-year abuse timeline suggests a domestic context. Convictions specifically for controlling and coercive behaviour, plus harassment with violence to secure entry, indicate a calculated pattern rather than isolated rage.

When and Where Did Key Events Unfold?

The trial concluded with guilty verdicts on 5 November 2025 at Manchester Crown Court. Sentencing occurred today, 23 January 2026. The pivotal assault happened in November 2023 at the victim’s Timperley home, with Bradbury later arrested elsewhere. Abuse spanned five years leading to these dates.

Why Is This Case a Milestone for Domestic Abuse Reporting?

DC Ellcock’s comments position it as exemplary police response, encouraging reports. Victim perseverance through prosecution sets a precedent. It highlights unreported abuse’s prevalence, urging systemic listening. National statistics on coercive control convictions reinforce such outcomes’ role in deterrence.

This case, drawn comprehensively from court proceedings and official statements, exemplifies journalism’s role in amplifying survivor voices while holding perpetrators accountable. The detailed victim narrative and police resolve paint a stark picture of recovery’s challenges ahead.