A man has been jailed for four and a half years for terrorising his former partner in a ‘relentless campaign of domestic abuse’.

Mario Francis Crown, 35, of no fixed abode, was sentenced after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and burglary.

A court heard Crown assaulted his former partner by punching, pushing and strangling her. He also cut up her shoes to stop her leaving the house, and would break her phone to stop her from speaking to people.

Crown also damaged her property, including televisions, doors, slashing tyres on her bike, and scribbling over the pages of her passport.

After the woman ended the relationship in March this year, Crown sent her abusive messages, including threatening to burn her house down, and broke into her home in Fareham.

He was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on 14 September after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and burglary,

In total, Crown was given a sentence of 54 months imprisonment and handed a five-year restraining order.

Officer in the case, DC Luke Fairchild, of Fareham and Gosport CID, said: “The sentence handed to Crown is welcomed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and reflects the seriousness of what was a relentless campaign of domestic abuse. During this period, Crown subjected the victim to coercive and controlling behaviour, strangulation, and further distress through a burglary at her address during which damage was caused.

“This sentence sends a clear message that domestic abuse in any form will not be tolerated within our communities. Those who seek to inflict harm, fear and misery upon others will be relentlessly pursued and brought before the courts.

“I would also like to commend the victim in this case, who demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience in placing her trust in the police and criminal justice system. Through her bravery, justice has been achieved. The victim has expressed her hope that other victims of domestic abuse will feel empowered to come forward and seek support.

“To anyone experiencing domestic abuse, our message is simple: you will be listened to, you will be believed, and we will do everything within our power to protect you.”

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, and there’s an emergency that’s ongoing or life is in danger, call 999 now.

There are many support organisations that can help you as well, please find more information here Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary