'You are a jealous, controlling and violent bully'

Judge's words as he jails thug who beat up partner

- Sentinel Reporter

BULLY boyfriend Craig Leese made his partner's life a misery for eight months by beating her up and verbally abusing her.

The jealous 39-year-old would not let her go to the shops without him - or attend hospital for medical treatment for her injuries. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he attacked her in public as well as at home and gloated to friends about his cruel actions. He was arrested after one 'particularly nasty' assault when police found her in a terrified state.

He was bailed to stay away from her but became suspicious of her contacting another man and punched her to the face and kicked her, injuring her ear. She hid in the bathroom to call police but he flew into a rage and punched her head and pulled her hair. Now Leese has been jailed for 32 months.

Prosecutor Matthew Ness said Leese and his victim began a relationship in December 2023. But his behaviour towards her soon changed and he became aggressive, shouted at her and turned violent.