Carolyn Shepherd’s hope for a perfect partner turned into a nightmare when she discovered her husband, Wayne Wellings, was controlling and abusive. The 38-year-old from Wirral initially found love with Wayne, but soon realized the relationship took a dark turn.
Wayne confined Carolyn to their home, locking her in whenever he left and using an Alexa speaker to monitor her activities. He subjected her to emotional and physical abuse, even going as far as squeezing the filler out of her lips. The constant surveillance and manipulation took a toll on Carolyn, affecting her self-esteem and career.
Despite the warning signs, Carolyn moved in with Wayne, who continued to exhibit possessive and violent behavior. He would check on her using the Alexa, ensuring she was alone and under his control. The situation escalated when Wayne physically attacked Carolyn, prompting her to seek help from her mother and leave the abusive relationship.
After enduring years of abuse, Carolyn found the strength to report Wayne to the authorities. In a court trial in September 2024, Wayne was convicted of assault and coercive behavior and subsequently sentenced to five years in prison. Carolyn expressed relief at his incarceration, emphasizing the newfound freedom and hope for a better future.
If you have a similar experience to share, please reach out to niamh.kirk@reachplc.com.