Somerset man, 38, jailed after threatening to kill wife

Martin Redding, aged 38, of North Petherton, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on October 16 of this year.

Redding pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife Katrina Redding, aged 36, during two periods: July 2025 and October 31, 2025, and October 31, 2025 and June 2026.

The court listings state that his behaviour caused Katrina Redding to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence would be used against her.

Martin Redding's custody image from Avon and Somerset Police. (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

The listings also state that Redding knew, or ought to have known, that the behaviour would have a serious effect on her.

According to the listings, the behaviour included threatening to kill her, threatening to harm her family, sending her abusive messages and assaulting her.

Katrina is based in Bridgwater and met Redding at just 19 years old. 

In her victim impact statement, which she sent to the County Gazette, she said: “No words can truly describe the damage that has been caused.

“Our home should have been a place where we felt safe, loved and protected, but instead it became a place of fear.

“Every day we lived walking on eggshells, never knowing what would happen next.”

Mrs Redding said she "believed he could change".

She said: “Despite everything, we loved him. We hoped he would choose us."

Mrs Redding said that, as a result of the abuse, she developed body dysmorphia and an eating disorder, during which time she lost five stone.

She added: “While my physical injuries are healing, the emotional wounds remain.”

Katrina Redding has spoken out about the abuse she and her children experienced. (Image: Katrina Redding)

Mrs Redding said she suffers from anxiety, panic attacks, fear and memories she cannot escape.

She said her family have needed support to recover since reporting the abuse.

She said: “Even now, everyday things that most people take for granted – sleeping peacefully, feeling safe in our own home, trusting other people – remain difficult for us.

“We are determined to move forward, but the effects of Martin’s abuse will stay with us for many years, and I believe some of those effects will never fully disappear.

“We are trying to rebuild our lives, but healing is not something that happens quickly. The fear, trauma and emotional scars remain part of our daily lives.”

Mrs Redding added that the offences formed a pattern of abuse that “fundamentally changed [their] lives.”

According to the court listings, Redding was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. The case was recorded as involving domestic abuse.

Redding is also subject to a restraining order protecting Mrs Redding, which will remain in force for 11 years.

Following the sentencing, Mrs Redding said: “The sad thing in all of this is we loved him with everything we had and cannot understand how he could treat us this way.”