In this powerful episode, we uncover the shocking case of Gareth Jones, a 40-year-old NHS worker from Cheshire, who endured nine months of brutal psychological, physical, and financial abuse at the hands of his partner, Sarah Rigby. What began as intense "love bombing" on a dating app spiralled into a nightmare of coercive control, humiliation, and violence.
Gareth was forbidden from using the toilet or shower without permission, forced to swallow toothpaste for "bad breath," clawed until he bled in Harrods to buy a £400 handbag, and made to sleep on the floor in his underwear. Rigby isolated him from family, drained £40,000 from his accounts, and threatened false assault claims to silence him.
Despite losing over 60 pounds in two months and being driven to the brink of suicide, Gareth secretly signalled for help and escaped in March 2022. Rigby later pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour and received a 20-month suspended sentence.
We explore how Rigby’s actions align with the Dark Tetrad—Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism—and examine the lasting trauma Gareth still carries, including therapy, a "grab bag" of essentials, and his mission to support male victims via the ManKind Initiative.
Link to Video on Domestic Violence having no gender - https://youtu.be/FwCZEiaGXEE?si=-OWPHksSfPU4eq53
"The Problem with a Feminist Approach to DV in Australia" PDF Report - https://www.drfionagirkin.com/research
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Reference List
ITV News Granada. (2024, May 31). 'I was forced to eat toothpaste': Man who was abused and controlled details nine months of torment. Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2024-05-29/man-opens-up-on-nine-months-of-abuse-after-partner-handed-suspended-sentence
Metro News. (2024, May 28). The woman 'dehumanised' her partner and wouldn't let him go to the toilet. Retrieved from https://metro.co.uk/2024/05/28/woman-dehumanised-partner-wouldnt-let-go-toilet-20922555/
ITV This Morning. (n.d.). Male domestic abuse survivor speaks out to raise awareness. Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/male-domestic-abuse-survivor-speaks-out-to-raise-awareness
BBC News. (2024, October 13). Male domestic abuse victim stopped from using bathroom and toilet. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8djrl18v81o
People. (2024, October 13). Man Abused by Girlfriend Lost Over 60 Lbs. in 2 Months as She Controlled His Diet, Wouldn't Let Him Use Toilet. Retrieved from https://people.com/man-lost-over-60-lbs-in-2-months-because-of-girlfriends-abuse-8727660
Northwich Guardian. (2024, October 14). Domestic abuse victim of Winsford's Sarah Rigby speaks out. Retrieved from https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/24650468.domestic-abuse-victim-winsfords-sarah-rigby-speaks/
LBC. (2025, June 26). Man forced to spend £40k on abusive girlfriend had arms clawed in Harrods. Retrieved from https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/gareth-jones-sarah-jones-harrods-abusive-relationship/
Manchester Evening News. (2024, May 28). Male victim of controlling ex speaks out after abusive six-month relationship. Retrieved from https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/male-victim-controlling-ex-speaks-29252088
Yahoo News. (2024, May 28). ‘Bully’ nurse forced boyfriend to swallow toothpaste and mouthwash*. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/news/bully-nurse-forced-boyfriend-swallow-184124351.html
Shadows of Control. (2024, September 21). Gareth Jones' Devastating Ordeal at the Hands of Sarah Rigby. Retrieved from https://shadowsofcontrol.com/stories/gareth-jones/
