Domestic abuser who beat partner on sofa sues her to get furniture back
A man who battered his partner in a three-year campaign of domestic abuse has sued his victim - to seize the sofa which he attacked her on.
Christopher Forrest, 41, was jailed for 27 months last year after being caught on a "doggy cam" assaulting Elizabeth Shanks at her home.
His horrific violence, which saw him choke his victim, threaten to kill her and throw her against a car, left Elizabeth mentally and physically scarred.
In a sadistic turn of events, the ex-delivery driver has now launched a civil court action from behind bars to seize a sofa and TV which he claims belonged to him.
He was caught on camera attacking Elizabeth Shanks at her home (Pressteam)Ms Shanks says she was left gobsmacked when she received a notice she was being taken to a small claims court, saying it was just another move by Forrest to "control and manipulate" her.
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She told the Daily Record: "I thought after the court case I would be able to just move on with my life and try to put it all behind me.
"Then the claim was lodged at Hamilton Sheriff Court stating he was wanting the television and sofa from the house because he said they belonged to him.
"I had to engage a solicitor to deal with it. I couldn’t believe it. It’s just another form of control and was designed to cause me maximum stress."
She told how the claim - worth over £2,500 - was heard in March, but thrown out by a judge who demanded Forrest pay her legal fees.
She added: "There is no remorse, no accountability and no common sense. The video of him attacking me on that sofa was seen by thousands and yet he had the brass neck to try and come after me for it."
Forrest previously pleaded guilty to assaulting Elizabeth to her injury and endangering her life on three occasions at her home in Lanarkshire between July 2017 and August 2020.
Forrest seen during his arrest (East Kilbride News)Some of his attacks were captured on a camera used for dog-watching when the house was empty.
In her victim impact statement, Elizabeth told how, on one occasion, Forrest forced bank notes into her mouth as punishment for asking him for money.
In one clip she can be heard gasping for breath as he chokes her, saying: “You’re going to die.” In other footage she was violently thrown against a car as he hurled abuse at her.
Ms Shanks says she and her neighbours have received poison pen letters alleging she is a liar - despite the video evidence of Forrest attacking her.
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She has been left with crippling anxiety and suffering panic attacks, continuing to live in fear that Forrest will pursue her on his release from prison, despite the judge imposing a 10-year harassment order when he was sentenced.
She said: "I’ve had to install security cameras and I’m fearful for my safety, especially when he is likely to be released in October this year.
"It’s a nightmare that seems never ending, but I’m still glad I spoke out about him.
"Domestic abusers should never be allowed to win and intimidate their victims."
Anyone who requires help or support can contact Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for free, confidential specialist support. Or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
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