A violent and controlling man subjected a woman to physical and verbal abuse.

Police were called to Williams Road, Bosham, shortly before 4pm on January 8 to reports of a disturbance.

Officers attended and spoke with a woman in her 30s, who was known to Dean Cunningham. He had violently attacked her during an altercation.

It was then disclosed that since April 2023, she was victim to several attacks from the 36-year-old including times where she struggled to breathe.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Cunningham subjected the woman to more than a year of physical and verbal violence, as well as controlling her everyday decisions, including the clothes she wore, medication she took and food she ate.

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Cunningham would always accuse her of seeing other men, which was not true. Whenever she would attempt to call the police, he would always intervene.

He assaulted her on a number occasions before he was arrested following the public disturbance on January 8.

While on court bail, he sent messages and threatening voice notes to withdraw her statement. He was remanded in custody in February.

He was charged with intentional suffocation, actual bodily harm, perverting the course of justice and later charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.

When appearing before Portsmouth Crown Court on November 1, Cunningham, of Bracklesham Lane, Bracklesham, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

He was also handed a ten-year restraining order against the victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said: “This conviction shows the importance of reporting domestic abuse. We take a firm stance on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls,

"You will be believed, we will listen and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“Cunningham was a serial offender who made his victim suffer over a long period of time. The sentence and restraining order can hopefully bring her some peace and time to heal.”

If you have been a victim of domestic abuse and would like to report a crime, contact police online or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.