Bullying window fitter Ryan Dungey branded his lover a "skank" and "tramp" after grabbing her around the throat during a row.

His victim was left with marks around her throat as he told her to "die like your mum".

Now the 29-year-old thug has been jailed for 21 months for a series of brutal acts, including spitting in her face, dragging her by her ponytail, and punching and kicking her.

His victim lost two-and-a-half stone in just nine months – going from being bubbly and confident to someone she no longer recognised, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Dungey, of Sunneymeade Avenue, Gillingham , admitted engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between November 2018 and July last year.

Judge Philip Statman told him: "You completely undermined your victim as an individual and this case shows the classic symptoms of violence within a domestic relationship.

"She thought she was at fault for what had taken place. I emphasise that is not the case but it shows the fragility of your victim in her relationship with you.

"She couldn't face reporting the immediate acts of violence to police, taking the view as many victims of domestic violence do that things would get better.

"Sadly, it was quite the contrary. You constantly undermined her, you controlled her and you abused her."

The court heard how the two had known each other for 10 years before they became a couple and moved in together.

Prosecutor James Cartwright said she was excited and believed she had "found the one".

However, the couple fell out over the fact they didn't have room for a freezer and Dungey kicked her for answering back.

The prosecutor said: "He was not remorseful in the slightest."

On another occasion while on a fishing trip, Dungey punched her while dragging her from a van.

She finally revealed the true extent of her ordeal after a neighbour heard her screams as Dungey smashed up their home – causing £2,000 of damage.

The foul-mouthed bully also told her to "go ******* die, go get raped, have a **** death", the court was told.

"The defendant was arrested and interviewed and there was an attempt to justify his actions, saying she was attacking him," added Mr Cartwright.

"Dungey subjected his victim to the most appalling physical, mental and emotional abuse"

In a victim impact statement, she said Dungey left her feeling "anxious, frightened and living on the edge".

"He put me down so much and I started to believe it. He would tell me no one else would want me – not just men but my friends and family," she wrote.

"He told me to die like my mum. He would chip away at me and make me feel like I was worthless.

"I feel I'm living life on the edge. I have been subjected to so much in such a short space of time that it has become normal.

"I am angry and upset at myself for feeling this way. Every time I have stood up for myself I have suffered more abuse to the point where I feel empty and have nothing left.

"I look in the mirror and ask 'Who is this person in front of me?' I don't want to be seen as a victim but I am a victim and I need help.

"I had known him for 10 years and thought he was someone I could trust."

Kerry Waitt, defending, said Dungey's anxiety, paranoia and mood swings were the result of cannabis use.

Investigating officer PC Michael Kiernan said: "Dungey subjected his victim to the most appalling physical, mental and emotional abuse.

"I would like to commend the victim for having the courage to come forward and also reassure anyone who may be in an abusive relationship that we have a dedicated team who can provide them support and pursue justice."

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