A judge put the case of a man who admitted controlling a partner back by two weeks – after the defendant appeared to deny the offence when he was interviewed by probation.

Recorder Paul Reid told Darren Moss’s barrister that the pre-sentence report was ‘at complete odds with the prosecution case’.

He added: “What is said there amounts to a complete denial of guilt.”

The judge said: “The prosecution have to have the benefit of a basis of plea which, if not acceptable, will lead to a trial of several issues.”

READ MORE: Controlling behaviour charge admitted

In October, Moss, 51, of Chillingworth Crescent, Wood Farm, pleaded guilty on the day of his trial to controlling and coercive behaviour towards his then partner from 2015 until 2019. The case was adjourned for sentence.

Adjourning sentencing until December 16, Recorder Reid, said he regarded the case as being ‘extremely serious’.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward