Abuser who forced partner to bark like a dog found hiding in fridge. Jailed for three years

A violent domestic abuser who isolated his former partner from her friends and family, forced her to bark like a dog, and subjected her to months of physical and psychological abuse has been jailed for three years.

Dean Foord, 33, was sentenced after being found guilty of a series of offences following a six-month campaign of abuse against his victim in Rochester, Kent.

Canterbury Crown Court heard that Foord controlled nearly every aspect of the woman’s life. He prevented her from contacting friends and family, monitored her social media accounts, and required her to seek his permission before leaving the house. He also refused to let her own a mobile phone, deliberately damaging any device she obtained. On one occasion, he forced her to sell her phone to repay one of his drug debts.

The court heard that Foord repeatedly assaulted the victim, including dragging her by the neck, pushing her to the ground and banging her head against the floor. He also locked her in a room and forced her to bark like a dog before allowing her to leave. Prosecutors said he spent the victim’s money on gambling, drugs, alcohol and scratch cards.

In another incident, Foord filmed himself threatening the woman with a knife while telling her he was going to k!ll her. He also threw a bucket of dirty water over her. Police arrested Foord at his home in December 2025 after discovering him hiding inside a refrigerator in an attempt to evade capture.

Body-worn camera footage showed him repeatedly asking officers to “be nice” because he claimed to have a broken foot. Officers ordered him to come out before taking him into custody. Foord denied the charges but was convicted of actual bodily harm, criminal damage, threats to kill, common assault, controlling and coercive behaviour, and possession of cocaine.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable George Fisher described Foord as “a violent bully” who used fear, violence and intimidation to dominate his victim’s life. He also praised the victim for her courage in coming forward and helping secure the conviction.