A violent and “extremely jealous” boyfriend who subjected his partner to several assaults has been locked up.

Controlling Liam Battelle began attacking the victim “almost immediately” after he moved into her home last year and made her ask his permission to use her own phone.

The 31-year-old, from Chatham High Street, often accused his partner of having other relationships and would sit next to her and listen in to any phone calls she would make.

As time went on, Battelle’s coercive behaviour continued, including not allowing the victim to go to the bathroom alone or use her straighteners.

The thug, who met his victim through social media, also threatened to throw acid in the woman’s face if she ever left him.

Battelle’s actions forced the woman to become distant from her family members and close friends, and even damaged her property and used her bank card to make purchases for himself.

Police arrested him on July 11 and he was later charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.

‘This appalling man made his victim’s life a misery over several months...’

He had been convicted of a sexual offence against a different victim in 2019 and was required to sign the sex offenders register.

This included notifying the police if he resided at a new address within three days. Battelle was additionally charged with two breaches of these conditions.

Battelle pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Thursday, October 24.

He was sentenced to two years and 10 months’ imprisonment. He will also be subject to a restraining order on his release from prison for seven years.

DC Grant Miles-Wilson said: “This appalling man made his victim’s life a misery over several months as he steadily took control of everything she did. The threats and regular violence caused a woman who was very close to her family to become more and more distant and withdrawn.

“The victim has shown great courage in coming forward to describe her ordeal to officers. She has assisted us to bring her tormenter to justice and I hope she can move on with her life now he is safely behind bars.”