Woman Speaks of Her Life-Changing Trauma After Being Held Prisoner

Published on: 24 Jun, 2026
Updated on: 24 Jun, 2026

A woman who suffered false imprisonment at the hands of a 66-year-old Godalming man has spoken of the life-changing trauma she suffered.

In January 2023, Surrey Police received a report that the woman had been prevented from leaving a property after her keys and electronic devices were taken from her by Stephen Oyston.

Guildford Crown Court heard that Oyston repeatedly stood in front of her and physically prevented her from leaving the property.

During the incident, he verbally abused and threatened her, telling her that if she contacted police, he would falsely report her as the aggressor and have her arrested.<

In a statement the woman detailed her experience and the effect this incident had on her.

“Before I met him, I was a confident, sociable, ambitious and outgoing person,” she said. “Now, I often take each day as it comes, and at times survival feels like my only goal.

“During the incident itself, I felt completely trapped and unable to escape the situation. The impact of what I experienced extends far beyond the incident itself. I feel that much of the person I once was has been lost.”

Although Oyston later returned her car keys, she discovered that he had purposefully deflated her tyres, further preventing her from leaving the property in her vehicle.

The rest of the evening and the following morning were captured on internal CCTV cameras. The woman remained at the property, with her belongings withheld and no means of transport available to leave.

At Guildford Crown Court on June 19th, Oyston was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, after being convicted of false imprisonment. He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, undertake 12 mental health treatment requirement sessions and was made subject to a five-year restraining order.

Investigating officer PC Nina Hume said: “This was a serious incident of false imprisonment which left the survivor feeling trapped and unable to leave the property.

“Behaviour of this nature can have a profound impact on victims, causing fear, distress and a lasting loss of confidence and independence.

“I would like to commend the survivor for the courage she has shown in supporting this investigation, which was key in bringing the case before the court.

“If you believe someone is exerting control over you, or you feel unsafe in a relationship or situation, please report it to us. You will be listened to, supported and taken seriously.

“If you are worried about someone’s behaviour, or concerned about a friend or family member, there is support available to you. You’re not alone.

“Please see Advice about domestic abuse | Surrey Police for more information or dial 999 in an emergency.”