An abuser who threatened to kill his victim and inflicted "physical, emotional and psychological" harm has been jailed.

Ben Turner, 38, of Willow Corner, Bayford, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill, coercive and controlling behaviour, assault causing grievous bodily harm and strangulation.

He was sentenced to 39 months behind bars at Huntingdon Crown Court on October 23, and was also given a restraining order banning him from contacting the victim or going to an address in Stanstead Abbotts for eight years.

Police were called after Turner assaulted his victim and grabbed her round the neck, telling her he was going to kill her.

She fought him off and jumped from a first-floor window to escape before running to a neighbour’s home to get help.

Officers investigated further and uncovered previous violent incidents, including attempts to strangle her, and pushing her into a mirror which caused a cut to her face.

He prevented her from getting medical attention for the injury, staying with her overnight to stop her going to hospital. She was too terrified of him to contact police.

Detective Constable Jordan Critchley from the East Herts Local Crime Unit said: "Turner subjected the woman to physical, emotional and psychological abuse over several months.

"He threatened to kill her and I believe had she not escaped from his clutches on that day, that he may well have followed through with that threat.

"I would like to thank the victim for her bravery. Her actions have led to a dangerous man being put behind bars. I hope she can now recover from this ordeal and move on with her life."