A Milford Haven man who subjected his partner to a sustained campaign of emotional and physical abuse has been jailed.

Twenty-eight-year-old, Richard Michael Mottram of Milton Crescent, Milford Haven appeared at Swansea Crown Court this week via video link for sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour and a charge of battery.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Mr. Mottram was arrested in December last year after the victim had seen a friend.

It was said in court that the defendant jabbed a key into her leg before punching her in the face, forcing her head down into a pillow, and threatening to kill her.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said that the defendant became increasingly controlling as the relationship went on.

Mr. Mottram tried to dictate who the women saw and who she was allowed to speak to. As a result she saw less of her family and friends.

The defendant would then abuse the victim by calling her names, assault the women and accuse her of cheating on him.

Her breasts were also exposed to people walking past through the windows.

When the woman did go outside she would walk with her head down so as not to make eye contact with people.

Mr. Rouch added that the defendant would also threaten and use violence against her, including punching and throttling her, leaving her "feeling scared on a regular basis”.

The victim also dyed her hair from blonde to brown in the hope that she would be less attractive to other men.

In a statement which was read out in court the woman said the defendant’s behaviour had had a "huge negative impact" on her mental health, but that with the help of friends and family she was determined to get over it.

The court was also told of the defendant’s previous convictions for domestic violence where in 2015, Mr. Mottram was convicted of battery after he dragged another partner by hair having head-butted her.

Dean Pulling, defending said his client had witnessed and been subject to domestic violence when he was a child.

He added that while there was no excuse for his offences it was an explanation for his ‘dysfunctional behaviour’.

Mr. Pulling said the defendant was an example of the ‘profoundly damaging effect’ on children of witnessing domestic violence.

During the hearing Judge Paul Thomas QC told Mr. Mottram that he was a ‘violent bully.’

He said: “You treated her as if she was a possession. You controlled her movements, her contacts with others. You controlled what she did and did not do, you dictated how she lived her life.

“Relationships don’t work like that. You gave her a completely miserable existence.”

The defendant was sentenced to 21 months in jail for coercive control and two months for the battery offence. This will be served currently.

He will serve half of the sentence in custody before being released on license.

Mr. Mottram was also handed an indefinite restraining order.