'Despicable' Godalming abuser who extinguished cigarette on victim and struck her with a broom handle jailed

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “A 22‑year‑old man has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after subjecting a woman to repeated abuse and defrauding multiple victims of thousands of pounds.

“Connor Lockwood, 22 (DOB 29/04/2003) of Godalming appeared for sentencing at Chichester Crown Court on Friday, 27 March after pleading guilty to four counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, two counts of assault causing grievous bodily harm, one count of possession of a bladed article, theft from a shop, three counts of fraud by false representation and money laundering.

“Surrey Police’s investigation into Lockwood’s abusive behaviour began in June 2025 when officers became concerned he was physically assaulting a woman known to him.

“Over the following months, officers pieced together evidence that demonstrated Lockwood had repeatedly abused the woman over several years.

“His attacks including punching, kicking and stamping on her.

“At one point, Lockwood extinguished a cigarette on the woman, leaving a permanent scar, and later struck her on the head with a broom handle, causing significant injury.

“His behaviour left the survivor terrified and isolated.

“In July 2025, Lockwood was arrested after he threatened a man with a knife in a pub in Godalming. The investigative team worked throughout the night to interview him and prepare a file for the Crown Prosecution Service.

“The team secured charges against him the following day for this offence as well as the domestic abuse offences.

“Lockwood was immediately remanded in prison, where he has remained since.

“Alongside the domestic abuse investigation, our Economic Crime Unit was also focused on Lockwood after they identified he had scammed people out of thousands of pounds using dating apps.

“Lockwood would pretend to be interested in his victims, then share stories of how he was facing difficulties and a request to borrow money.

“In the case of one victim, Lockwood scammed them out of £7,500.

“To try to evade detection, Lockwood laundered the money through multiple bank accounts.”

Reflecting on the abuse, the survivor shared: “The physical harm that Connor caused me will live with me forever.

“I still struggle with sleep and worry that I always will struggle.

“I still have flashbacks and nightmares as sometimes I still wake thinking I am back there and that he is attacking me.

“I worry it will impact relationships in the future as well, as I don't know how I can trust anyone or feel totally safe again.

“I don't like going out by myself as because of Connor I lost all confidence and independence as he made me feel so low.

“I don't think an animal deserves to have been treated the way he treated me but that's how I feel like I was treated – like an animal, and even now I struggle to be spoken to and treated nicely.

“I am trying really hard to move on from what happened, and I want to do whatever it takes, I just don't want the physical and emotional pain to stay with me forever.”

Detective Constable Carina Jewell led the domestic abuse investigation and worked tirelessly to build trust with the survivor, to help her feel able to speak with police.

Carina said: “It was incredibly brave of this survivor to come forward to police and share her experiences at the hands of Lockwood, who had been abusing her for years.

“Ensuring she felt supported and listened to throughout the process was the most important thing for me.

“Deciding to give a statement or speak with police is a huge step, and we went at her pace, helping her to share her story when she was ready to do so.

DC James Vernon, of the Economic Crime Unit, said: “Lockwood’s behaviour was despicable, and the devastating impact of his actions was wide reaching, also affecting the victims he scammed out of thousands of pounds.

“By working closely with all the people he impacted, we have been able to get this dangerous and manipulative man off our streets.”