Man jailed after violent abuse of his partner

A man who frequently violently abused his partner over the course of a year has been jailed.

A woman, who was in a relationship with Nuno Rodrigues, from Playstool Road, Newington, Kent, throughout 2022 suffered constant assaults at his hands, according to Kent Police.

The abuse included an incident when Rodrigues forcefully pinned her to the ground whilst placing his hands around her neck.

The 28-year-old was sentenced on Tuesday at Maidstone Crown Court to three years in prison, with an indefinite restraining order on his release.

In addition to attacks at home, the woman suffered injuries and abuse when on holiday abroad with Rodrigues, Kent Police said.

Whilst in Madeira, he assaulted her multiple times causing her to permanently lose sensitivity on one side of her mouth.

He also threatened her with a knife and struck her in the face.

Police were alerted to what happened in December 2022 after the woman told a work colleague about the abuse, and Rodrigues was arrested.

He pleaded guilty to engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

PC Chelsea Clare, from Kent Police, said: ‘This man is an abusive bully who tried to control and restrict his victim’s life, regularly assaulted her and made constant threats over several months.

"This was an appalling ordeal for a woman who has suffered lasting injuries as a result."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].