A FAMILY has been praised by police after a 45-year-old man was jailed for eight years for a litany of offences including child cruelty.

Thomas Mann, of Nursery Road, Stanford-le-Hope, has been locked up after admitting cruelty to a person under 16, coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as breaching a non-molestation order.

Mann’s crimes had a significant impact on his victim and their family, causing psychological, emotional and physical harm to those involved, the court heard.

The crimes took place over the course of several years and the victim and their family have now been praised by police for having the courage to come forward and report Mann’s crimes.

Det Con Kerry Munro, who was in charge of the case, said: “The family involved in this case have been brave to come forward and speak up.

“This case has highlighted the huge impact that coercive and controlling behaviour and cruelty can have on a family.

“Emotional and psychological harm can be, and is, as destructive as physical harm.

“Help is out there. Please pick up the phone, reach out and report this behaviour. No one deserves to be treated in that way. We will listen.”

Following a hearing on Monday, Mann was sentenced to four years and eight months for cruelty to a person under 16 years, two years and four months for controlling or coercive behaviour, and ten months for breaching a previous court-issued non-molestation order.

The sentences will be served consecutively meaning Man was jailed for a total of eight years.

The police investigation was led by Lincolnshire Police and Mann was convicted and sentenced at Lincolnshire Crown Court.

The family told police “they want victims to know that you don’t need to stay silent, and that police will listen” and are now looking forward to moving on with their lives.