Birmingham Man Sentenced for Years of Coercive Control and Benefit Theft
A Birmingham man who subjected his girlfriend to seven years of bullying and financial exploitation is now serving a prison sentence, where he has reportedly faced abuse from other inmates. Tarsam Singh, aged 54 and from Church Road in Moseley, admitted to coercive and controlling behaviour between December 2016 and June 2025, with his victim stating the abuse intensified after the initial two years of their relationship.
Pattern of Abuse and Financial Manipulation
Singh targeted a vulnerable mother with significant mental and physical health difficulties, controlling her finances and demanding a share of her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits. He falsely claimed he was acting as her carer to justify taking £10 to £15 daily, later increasing to £20 withdrawals. Prosecutor Mia McNevin detailed how Singh "constantly" verbally abused the woman, shouting, swearing, and calling her names, while also embarrassing her in public by mocking sensitive health issues.
His actions included:
- Taking her bank cards without permission to withdraw money.
- Dictating how she should spend her own funds.
- Stealing her phone and selling it to buy alcohol.
- Arranging for his benefits to be paid into her account to demand access.
- Turning up drunk and aggressive at the charity shop where she volunteered.
- Repeatedly attending her home uninvited, using belongings as an excuse to return.
Court Proceedings and Lack of Remorse
At Birmingham Crown Court, Recorder Abigail Nixon noted Singh showed "absolutely no remorse," despite his barrister Lizzie Banahan citing anxiety and alcohol addiction as factors. Singh, who had no prior criminal record, disputed allegations during probation interviews even after pleading guilty. The victim described feeling overwhelmed by his control, saying, "He will ruin my day, ruin my mood, put me on a downer," and recalled being degraded in front of his drinking mates in Moseley.
Sentencing and Restraining Order
Singh was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, with Recorder Nixon emphasizing the seriousness warranted a custodial sentence. He also received a ten-year restraining order banning contact with the victim. During his eight months in custody prior to sentencing, Singh addressed his alcoholism and assisted other inmates with reading, but faced bullying and assaults from fellow prisoners. Before sentencing, he abruptly claimed, "I am remorseful," but the court maintained its decision based on the prolonged and severe nature of his abuse.
