A man who pushed his pregnant partner down a flight of stairs has been jailed following a horrific campaign of abuse.

John Kirby, from Tunbridge Wells, tormented his partner with relentless physical and mental abuse, between January 2018 and August 2019.

He threatened to murder and bury her and regularly beat her, punching and kicking her in the head and dragging her by the hair.

In one incident the 42-year-old pushed his victim down the stairs while she was pregnant and then throttled her with his hands, causing her to lose consciousness.

Kirby would spit at the victim and prevent her from leaving the house by locking the property and hiding her car keys.

He would demand to know who she had been speaking to, while mental torment also included destroying her clothes and throwing food at her face.

He was initially arrested in August 2019, following a violent outburst in front of a young child.

He and the victim had been travelling by car in Wye, near Ashford, when Kirby threw chips at her while she was driving and then punched her in the face.

When the car stopped, he pushed the victim to the floor and repeatedly kicked her, in front of the child.

"People like Kirby make victims' lives an absolute misery..."

A Kent Police investigation would lead officers to uncover the true scale of Kirby’s abusive behaviour.

In recordings secretly made on the victim's phone, her tormentor could be heard threatening to burn her with hair straighteners and making threats to kill her by suffocation, with Kirby bragging he would then bury her in his garden.

Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court, Kirby pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Two further charges linked to an assault and with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour were ordered by the court to lie on file.

On May 13, Kirby, of Still Lane, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment.

Upon his release from prison, he will also be subject to a restraining order.

Investigating officer PC Gabriella Edir said: "People like Kirby make victims' lives an absolute misery.

"He has used extreme fear and threats of violence as tools to exert control over almost every aspect of this woman’s life and even after their relationship ended continued to terrorise her with appalling violence and chilling threats.

"We have been determined to get justice for the victim, whose bravery has undoubtedly helped us build a successful case, and one which left Kirby with no choice but to plead guilty.

"Tackling domestic abuse remains a key priority for Kent Police and we continue to urge victims to come forward, confident in the knowledge they will receive the best possible service. Remember, you are not to blame for what is happening and you can report it to us or contact several support organisations who can and will help you."

For support with issues of domestic violence call Refuge's helpline for free on 0808 2000247, or visit the charity's website here.