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United States ITV star Ruth Dodsworth's ex-husband jailed after years of abuse left her 'broken'
ITV weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth's ex-husband has been sentenced to three years imprisonment after subjecting his wife to years of abuse and stalking that left her feeling "broken".
The 45-year-old broadcaster, who married Jonathan Wignall in 2002, has spoken of how she felt 'robbed' of the happiest times of her life because of her 'volatile' ex-husband.
At a recent sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that during their marriage, Jonathan read through her messages, stopped her seeing friends and even put a tracker in her car. He would often turn up at Ruth's work unannounced and force the weather presenter to spend time with him.
According to WalesOnline, the court also heard that he was physically abusive and caused Ruth to suffer from fractured ribs, and even stopped her from travelling to filming locations without him.
The situation came to a head in 2019 when Jonathan called her more than 150 times in one day and Ruth was left fearing for her safety.
Wignall was told he was being arrested for harassment on October 19, 2019, to which he replied: "Harassment? But she's my wife."
In a statement, the Coast & Country star revealed that she lived life feeling 'nervous' because of her husband's controlling behaviour.
It read: "I look over my marriage to Jonathan and I feel I have been robbed of what was meant to be the happiest times of my life. The birth of our children, family gatherings, achievements in my career, and associations with friends have been tainted.
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"I have lived my life feeling nervous, frightened, and broken. Life with Jonathan was like walking on eggshells. His temper would turn in an instant. He was frighteningly unpredictable and extremely volatile. His regular alcohol abuse caused him to be verbally abusive and physically violent towards me. He became bitter and hostile to me over the years and his frequent outbursts of hatred to us all was exhausting.
"Jonathan made me entirely dependent on him. The atmosphere of fear at our so-called home – a place we should have felt safe, secure and loved. Home was often the last place I wanted to be. There was barely a day I did not leave for work in tears and arrive back fearful of what was waiting for me.
"He was an incredibly jealous and possessive husband from early on. I could not speak to men without accusations of being unfaithful.
"He was totally obsessed with my phone and asked where it was at all times of the day. He would delete contacts he was paranoid of. If I left my work laptop at home I would get emails saying someone was trying to access it. This was Jonathan trying to check up on me."
Ruth also revealed during the case that Jonathan would call her office hundreds of times a day and the harassment affected her confidence that she sometimes had to leave work before the broadcast had started.
The family was also plunged into financial ruin while Jonathan had total control of all of their finances. It was revealed in court that the family were left in massive debt as he had failed to pay bills and council tax.
Ruth added: "Because of my television career I’ve had to try and portray a smiley, happy, sunshine-like personality every day, when how I felt was everything but.”
Jonathan pleaded guilty to the charges of coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse visit the Live Fear Free website or call the helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
