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A 25-year-old man has been convicted of breaching a Domestic Abuse Protection Order.
This is the first prosecution of its kind in London since the orders were introduced in November 2024.
In a landmark case under a new domestic abuse pilot scheme, PUNCH Online reports that the details of these were contained in a press release on the Crown Prosecution Service website on Monday.
CPS is responsible for criminal prosecutions in England and Wales.
According to the release, Connor Cude, 25, pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, January 11, to charges of violating a DAPO issued to protect his former partner. He now awaits sentencing at Croydon Crown Court on February 24.
The release also noted that the case against Cude unfolded just days after the Bromley Magistrates’ Court issued a DAPO on December 28, 2024, prohibiting him from contacting the victim or visiting her home following reports of a domestic disturbance.
Despite the order, officers discovered Cude at the victim’s property during a routine welfare check on January 7, 2025. Cude attempted to flee through the back garden but was promptly apprehended.
“This flagrant disregard for the law will not be tolerated,” said Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London South.
“Connor Cude’s actions underline the importance of these orders. No domestic abuse victim should have to live in fear of their abuser.”
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders were launched as part of a pilot program across Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton to offer victims robust safeguards.
The orders are designed to intervene early, prohibit abusive behaviour, and compel perpetrators to adhere to specific requirements. Breaching a DAPO is a criminal offence that carries severe penalties, including up to five years in prison.
Kate Brown, the CPS’s national domestic abuse lead, emphasised the importance of collaboration between agencies to ensure victim safety.
“This conviction shows offenders there is nowhere to hide from the consequences of their abuse. Our priority is to break the cycle of violence and provide victims with the confidence to come forward.”
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women & Girls, Jess Phillips, praised the swift action taken by the police and CPS.
“These orders are already proving to be a vital tool in protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. This case demonstrates our commitment to halving violence against women and girls over the next decade.”
Phillips added, “We will continue working with partners to ensure victims receive the best protection possible. Pursuing breaches is critical to building trust in the system.”
Meanwhile, the Domestic Abuse Protection Order pilot commenced on November 27, 2024, in select areas. These orders provide tailored protections for victims and include prohibitions and mandatory actions for perpetrators.
According to the statement, breaching a DAPO is a serious offence, emphasising the government’s zero-tolerance stance on domestic abuse.
