Dating app predator jailed for kidnapping women

A violent serial domestic abuser who kidnapped and terrorised two women he met on dating apps has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after a UK court ruled that he poses a serious danger to women.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Phillip Mensah, 41, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 11 years in jail with an additional five-year extended licence after being convicted of multiple offences against two separate victims.

The court heard that Mensah has 23 previous convictions covering 74 offences, many linked to domestic violence. Judge Moore described his behaviour as a long-standing pattern of coercive, controlling and violent conduct, warning that the risk he poses to women is “very high.”

In the first case, Mensah was convicted of kidnap, false imprisonment and assault following an incident in September 2022, just days after meeting his victim on a dating app. Prosecutors told the court that the relationship quickly became controlling, with Mensah displaying extreme jealousy and aggression.

The victim described being subjected to hours of intimidation, verbal abuse and threats, leaving her in fear for her life. She told the court the experience destroyed her sense of safety and forced major changes to her living arrangements, work life and mental health.

Mensah went on to attack a second woman in August 2024, only weeks after his release from prison for an unrelated violent offence. The court heard that the second victim, whom he had also met online, was assaulted in her home while her teenage son was present. She managed to escape and contact emergency services.

Judge Moore said the similarities between both attacks were “striking” and driven by jealousy, control and fear of abandonment. While acknowledging that Mensah had shown some remorse and completed abuse-related courses in custody, the judge said the steps taken were “far too little and far too late.”

“At least 21 previous partners have alleged abuse by you,” the judge said. “If released into the community without strict supervision, the risk of serious harm would be imminent.”

Mensah was handed a total sentence of 16 years, aimed at protecting the public when he is eventually released.