Richard Double from Thatcham denies controlling partner’s life with ‘kissing regime’

A MAN has been accused of controlling his partner by demanding she told him “I love you” every time she left the room.

Richard Double was also alleged to have enforced a kissing regime when he appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, September 14.

The 34-year-old, of Meadowsweet Close, Cold Ash, pleaded not guilty to repeatedly or continuously engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour towards Emily Stacey in Newbury and Thatcham between Friday, June 14 and Thursday, September 14.

Specifically, he denied making daily checks on her phone and social media accounts, demanding constant updates on where she was and what she was doing, commenting on how she spent her free time and money, establishing a forced routine where she must kiss him and say “I love you” if she left the room and forcing her to follow a script when texting him, using specific words and names.

The charge alleges that, being in an intimate relationship with Ms Stacey, he knew or ought to have known that the behaviour would have a serious effect on her.

Mr Double, who spoke only to confirm his details and to plead not guilty to the single charge, was told the case could proceed no further and would be adjourned for a trial to be arranged.

He was meanwhile released on bail with conditions.