A brave woman has spoken about the long-lasting trauma caused by a campaign of abuse at the hands of Elliot Allen Bulman that left her living in fear for both her own life and the safety of her newborn child.

In a Victim Personal Statement, the survivor said: “I am making this statement to explain to the court the devastating, profound, and ongoing impact that the defendant’s actions have had on my life, my health, and my journey as a mother.

“While the jury finding Elliot guilty of rape, strangulation, threats to kill, assault occasioning ABH, and coercive control validates the living nightmare I endured, no sentence he receives can truly undo the catastrophic damage he has caused.”

The court heard how the woman was subjected to a prolonged and escalating campaign of abuse. There was no sudden moment when the young woman was cut off from her family and friends. Instead, over the course of their relationship, Bulman insidiously stripped away her relationships, one by one, distancing those who cared for her.

The woman continued: “To ensure I had no lifeline, he executed a calculated campaign of isolation. However, he did not simply cut off every single person at once. Instead, he carefully audited my social circle, identifying specific individuals with whom he deemed surface-level communication was acceptable.

“He permitted just enough contact with them to prevent alarm bells from ringing to the outside world. He used these interactions to parade himself as a loving, attentive, and caring partner, deliberately embedding himself in the centre of my relationships so he could monitor them first hand.

“Simultaneously, he manufactured conflicts between myself, my family and my friends. By deceptively convincing me that my loved ones did not have my best interests at heart while subtly alienating them from me, he left me entirely marooned in the abusive environment he created.

“He hijacked my private thoughts and external connections by monitoring my phone, reading my messages, and dictating exactly who I could speak to and what I was permitted to say. I was a hostage in my own life, trapped under total surveillance, cut off from genuine support, and condemned to a constant state of walking on eggshells.”  

Whilst pregnant, Bulman’s control and abuse of the survivor escalated.

Unable to attend appointments alone or speak to healthcare professionals in private, the expectant mother was unable to alert those around her to her predicament. Even when hospital staff tried to speak to her alone, Bulman blocked attempts at private conversations from taking place.

Following her discharge from hospital after the birth of her child, the abuse intensified, with the degradation, violence and isolation continuing. The new mother’s pain and recovery were disregarded, and she was assaulted while holding her newborn baby.

The survivor continued: “Elliot chose to perpetrate this horrific abuse and control during what should have been the most sacred, joyful, and protected times of my life: my pregnancy and the newborn stage of my child’s life. Instead of feeling safe, supported, and loved, I was subjected to a perpetual state of terror, hypervigilance, and agonizing physical pain.

“Because I was cut off from truly engaging with my support system, I had no one to lean on during the final stages of my pregnancy or the immediate aftermath of childbirth. My rare interactions with the outside world were forced to be entirely superficial. When my child was born—at a time when a woman is at her most physically and emotionally vulnerable—instead of being allowed to heal and bond with my baby, I was subjected to severe physical, psychological, and sexual violence. The enforced isolation meant I was completely trapped.

“When my child was a few months old, I found the courage to break through the walls of isolation Elliot had built around me and escape. I wholeheartedly believe that if I had not fled on that day, the consequences of remaining would have been fatal.”

The investigation began after police received a report that witnesses had to intervene when Bulman had assaulted the woman in a public place.

As officers took her statement, the young mother bravely disclosed the wider pattern of abuse she had suffered over many months, providing detailed accounts of the physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse she had endured.

Officers secured victim disclosures, witness evidence, photographs of injuries and digital material, building a compelling case against Bulman.

At Bolton Crown Court on Friday 18 September 2026, Elliot Allen Bulman (03/02/2004), of Peel Hall Road, Manchester, was handed an extended sentence of 15 years in custody and given an extended five years on licence after being convicted of five offences, including rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by penetration.

Bulman must serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole. In addition, he will be subject to a Notification of Requirement to Register with Police indefinitely and is subject to a restraining order to protect the survivor and her immediate family for a minimum of 20 years.

Detective Constable Oliver Seymour from CID from City of Manchester district said: “I’d like to thank the survivor for her immense bravery and patience whilst going through this process.

“I’d also like to commend her foresight in recording these incidents over a prolonged period and at great personal risk. It was no easy task given the level of control she was subjected to, but she not only made her own escape possible, but she also secured vital evidence that allowed us to bring him before the courts and hold him accountable for what he had done.

“This was an appalling case of domestic abuse involving sustained violence, coercive control and sexual offending. To be subjected to repeated assaults, intimidation and manipulation over a prolonged period, during what should have been one of the happiest times of her life, is simply abhorrent.

“Her courage in reporting these offences and supporting the investigation has been extraordinary. We know how difficult it can be for victims of domestic abuse to come forward, particularly where coercive control has left them isolated from friends and family.

“I hope this outcome provides reassurance that Greater Manchester Police will listen to victims, pursue offenders and work tirelessly to bring those responsible before the courts.”

Support Available

• Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who have experienced sexual assault within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, and counselling services for all ages. Services are available 24 hours a day on 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women aged 18 and over who have experienced rape or sexual abuse at any point in their lives. Call 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk.
• We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Footage and image supplied by Greater Manchester Police