First criminal conviction under coercive control laws

Last week marked an important moment in NSW criminal law. In Police v Fairleigh, the court handed down the first conviction under NSW’s new coercive control laws, which came into force on 1 July 2024. 

While the term “coercive control” is now widely discussed, this case shows what it actually looks like in real life – and how the courts are prepared to deal with it. 

A relationship marked by control 

The parties were together for around six years, before separating in November 2024. During the relationship, the victim described a long term pattern of behaviour that wasn’t about isolated incidents, but about ongoing control and domination. 

That distinction is critical. Coercive control isn’t one argument or one bad moment – it’s the cumulative effect of repeated behaviours that slowly strip away someone’s independence and sense of safety. 

What did that behaviour look like? 

The victim reported a range of behaviours that, taken together, painted a clear picture of coercive control. These included: 

• Monitoring her movements and questioning where she had been, including hiding her car keys. 
• Persistent verbal abuse, insults, and belittling comments. 
• Repeated demands to access her phone, including an incident where it was thrown against a wall. 
• Pressuring her for intimacy while she was recovering from surgery. 
• Accusing her of looking for work against his wishes. 
• Closely scrutinising her spending and disputing her credit card charges. 
• Attempting to isolate her from friends and family, including excessive calls and messages when she was with them. 

None of these behaviours existed in isolation. It was the pattern, not any single act, that mattered. 

The control didn’t end after separation 

Importantly, the behaviour continued after the relationship ended. 

Despite an apprehended violence order (AVO) being in place, the offender contacted the victim using bank transactions to send messages, a second mobile number, and even letters sent via his mother. 

The victim ultimately obtained a 10 year AVO, reflecting the seriousness of the ongoing risk. 

How was the case proven? 

Like many coercive control cases, this matter relied heavily on digital evidence in addition to the victim’s evidence. Text messages and call records played a key role in showing the ongoing nature of the conduct and supported the victim’s account. 

This case is a reminder that everyday digital footprints (messages, call logs, transaction records) can become powerful evidence when patterns of behaviour are examined over time. 

The outcome 

Although there was a long history of concerning conduct, the court could only consider behaviour occurring after July 2024, when the new offence became law. 

Even so, the outcome was significant. Callum Fairleigh was convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, with a non parole period of 15 months. 

Why this case is so important 

This decision matters because it shows that NSW’s coercive control laws are more than symbolic. They have real weight, and real consequences. 

The case makes it clear that: 

• Coercive control doesn’t have to involve physical violence to be criminal. 
• Courts will look at patterns of behaviour, not just individual incidents. 
• Postseparation conduct is taken seriously. 
• Digital evidence can be crucial in proving coercive control. 

Most importantly, it sends a strong message that behaviour designed to dominate, isolate, or control another person is no longer dismissed as “relationship issues”. It is recognised for what it is – a serious criminal offence. 

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