A man has been jailed after a sustained campaign of abuse saw him kick, punch and spit at a woman.

Akeem Kelliott, 30, was found hiding in bushes in Gillingham by police after subjecting his victim to repeated attacks.

The first assault, which took place in Richmond Road, Gillingham, on January 22, saw Kelliott punch the victim in the face and push her over following a verbal altercation in the street.

In another incident, he was seen dragging her by her hair through a communal stairwell. He then poured a bottle of alcohol over her and spat at her.

A further assault took place on February 5, when he punched her several times in Rochester High Street.

The victim made her way home alone, but Kelliott followed her and entered the property where he threatened to hurt her again.

The woman was able to call 999, and when police arrived they found Kelliott hiding amongst bushes in Summerson Close.

"Victims of domestic abuse show great courage when they report offences to the police..."

He was arrested and later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault.

Kelliott, of Heron Road in Herne Hill, London admitted the charges and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday to 15 months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer PC Max Turner said: "Kelliott inflicted serious injuries on his victim and caused her to live in fear of further threats and assaults.

"Victims of domestic abuse show great courage when they report offences to the police and I am under no illusion how difficult it was for this woman to reach out to us for help.

"We take domestic abuse very seriously and will always work hard to safeguard victims and ensure offenders face the consequences of their actions."

Victims of domestic abuse can call 999 in an emergency or find support from the Domestic Abuse Services for details of help in your area.

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