Newark boxer Connor ‘The Pitbull’ Meanwell to be tried at Nottingham Crown Court for controlling or coercive behaviour, assault and stalking

A promising professional boxer has appeared in court charged with a campaign of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his partner.

Connor Meanwell, 28, is also accused of physically assaulting her and stalking her after the relationship ended.

Meanwell, of Devon Road, Newark, entered not guilty pleas to carrying out controlling or coercive behaviour, assault and stalking when he appeared before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday).

In relation to the controlling or coercive behaviour, the charge details that for more than a year, Meanwell made threats and committed assaults on her and accused her of infidelity.

It is said he questioned her about going out with friends, monitored her phone, social media and emails, put spyware on her phone, tracked her location, and recorded her when she was drunk.

He is also alleged to have attacked her at her home.

In relation to the stalking, it is alleged that Meanwell, known as The Pitbull, with two wins and a loss under his belt since turning professional, made calls to the now ex-partner, sent messages, spied on her, followed her, monitored her online activity, and went to her home.

The Crown Prosecution Service allege that all amounted to stalking and significant alarm or distress was caused.

The CPS petitioned a district judge to commit the case to Nottingham Crown Court as, if convicted, the offences attracted a prison sentence too lengthy for a magistrates’ court to impose. The starting point jail term for the controlling or coercive behaviour charge alone is 2 ½ years.

Meanwell, a welterweight fighter well known in town and recognised as an up-and-comer on the boxing circuit, was was granted unconditional bail to appear at the crown court for the first time on June 28 for a pre-trial review.