Abusive Boyfriend Arrested on Plane After Threatening Partner at Manchester Airport
A controlling boyfriend was dramatically hauled off a packed plane and arrested after CCTV footage captured him throwing a drink at his partner and threatening to kill her at Manchester Airport. Callum Coady subjected Daisy Martin to over a year of coercive and controlling behavior before the explosive incident in August 2023.
Coercive Control and Airport Outburst
Callum Coady, 27, dictated who his partner spoke to, monitored her online activity, forced her to delete social media accounts, and controlled what she wore throughout their relationship. The abuse escalated on August 19, 2023, when Coady became aggressive after seeing a Facebook message, screaming at Daisy and throwing a glass of prosecco in her face before threatening to kill her.
Airport cameras captured the disturbing altercation moments before the pair were due to board a flight. Police officers subsequently boarded the aircraft and arrested Coady in front of shocked passengers. In footage released by Greater Manchester Police, Coady can be heard saying "oh my goodness" and "Jesus Christ" as officers explain he's being removed on suspicion of making threats to kill.
As he was handcuffed, Coady asked officers, "Do I look like I'd kill someone?" He later became frustrated, yelling "I'm missing my flight now!"
Court Sentencing and Restraining Order
Coady, of Larwood Avenue in Heaton Mersey, Stockport, pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behavior. At Manchester Magistrates' Court on March 16, he was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He received a five-year restraining order, must work with probation services regarding future relationships, and has to pay £200 in victim compensation.
Daisy Martin was praised in court for her "exceptional bravery" after coming forward to police and reporting the abuse. During an interview with officers, Daisy disclosed the ongoing abuse and showed them messages from Coady that provided a disturbing insight into the level of control and manipulation she endured.
Victim's Emotional Impact Statement
In her victim impact statement, Daisy described the profound effect the abuse has had on her life. "After everything I went through, it has had a profound impact on my life. I struggle daily to understand people and often overthink even small interactions," she said.
"I question whether people will treat me with respect after trusting someone who changed completely once I let him close and controlled how I behaved, thought and lived. What happened has made me extremely wary of relationships and friendships. He made me forget what love should feel like."
Daisy added that she feels anxious going places in case she sees him, still looks over her shoulder, and has lost her sense of safety. "He made me feel unlovable and affected my self-confidence. I overthink everything and notice changes in myself - getting angry more easily and snapping. I'm trying to rebuild myself."
Police Praise Victim's Courage
Detective Constable Elizabeth Andrews, formerly part of the Domestic Abuse Team in Stockport that led the investigation, said: "Daisy has shown exceptional bravery throughout this case. Her strength in coming forward, her honesty, and her continued co-operation with our officers has been vital in securing today's sentence."
"The thousands of messages recovered from Coady's phone provided a clear and disturbing insight into the level of control, manipulation and abuse she was subjected to, and they formed a crucial part of the evidence against him."
Andrews emphasized: "It is important for people to know that coercive and controlling behavior is a crime, and it will never be tolerated. If you are experiencing anything like this, please report it. You will be listened to, you will be believed, and we will do everything we can to protect you and bring offenders to justice."
Daisy described DC Andrews' support as "incredible," saying: "I wouldn't have had the strength to be this brave without her by my side. It's because of her that I now feel empowered to stand up for myself after everything that happened. She helped me understand that none of this was my fault, even when I believed it was."
