An abuser subjected his girlfriend to such violence she suffered brain damage, loss of speech - and can no longer recognise her own daughter.

Adam Fleming, from Ramsgate, left his victim requiring around-the-clock care after medics found "every inch" of her face covered in bruises.

The 27-year-old was jailed for 14 years at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday.

The victim's daughter told how her mum was “normal and healthy” before meeting Fleming, but would later start noticing bruising around her face.

Her fears that Fleming was subjecting her to violence were confirmed after learning her mother had been rushed into intensive care on April 6.

“When I visited it was the worst I’d ever seen her," she said.

"I did not recognise my own mum and hospital staff were worried she would not recognise me.

“Knowing she would not recognise me was heartbreaking.

“(We will) never be able to have a mother and daughter relationship again.

“I can see in my mum’s eyes she is frustrated, she can’t move and get up, and I have seen her cry when she can’t do this.”

Prosecutors described how neighbours would regularly hear screaming coming from the property they both shared.

And prior to the “life-threatening attack”, a social worker became concerned after noticing half the victim's face was covered in bruises, William Goss, prosecuting said.

Days later Fleming would phone the social worker claiming his partner fell over and suffered a seizure.

When medics arrived at their Ramsgate home they found “every inch” of her face covered in bruises as she lay defenceless on the floor.

Paramedics rushed her to hospital where she was found to have suffered brain damage, a dislocated iris, numerous facial fractures and broken eye-socket.

Following the attack his victim would be kept in intensive care for 10 days, where she was placed on a respirator.

Now, she requires around-the-clock care and must use a wheelchair.

Handing down an extended sentence, Judge Simon James said: “Anyone who is capable of causing such serious and life-changing injuries must be considered a risk of causing serious harm, by reason of the commission of further offences.

“To reach any other conclusion would fly in the face of good sense.”

Fleming, of Old School Row in Ramsgate, must serve two-thirds of his custody term before being considered for release, then a further four on licence.

Nick Wells, mitigating, said Fleming pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent before trial, was subjected to violence as a child and apologised for his actions.

After sentencing, DC Molly Turner, said: "Fleming caused his victim great pain and left her with life-changing injuries. No one should suffer in this way and violence against women is something that Kent Police takes very seriously.

"We hope that it will provide them with some reassurance that Fleming, a volatile and violent person, is now behind bars..."

"This prison sentence will not repair the damage that has been caused to this woman and the long term effect it is having on her and her family, but we hope that it will provide them with some reassurance that Fleming, a volatile and violent person, is now behind bars.

"Anyone who is or has been a victim of violence is urged to report it.

"Officers will fully investigate all reports and victims will be signposted to support networks that can help them rebuild their lives."