Preston student nurse was bitten, insulted and deliberately injured by abusive partner who slammed on his brakes

The tearful victim bravely read her witness statement at the sentencing of her Thomas Hill, 21, who admits four assaults between April 1, 2017 and 25, 2018, at Preston Crown Court.

As Hill, of Nabs Head Lane, Samlesbury, Preston, sat in the dock, the court was told how the former healthcare assistant had not confided in anyone about the first three assaults and treated her own injuries.

She told the court she had "flashbacks and nightmares" adding: "I question myself what did I do to deserve this?"

She revealed she had felt "worthless" and her ordeal had affected her ability to build friendships and relationships.

The court heard the pair met in 2015 when they were both 16.

On April 6, 2017, she had arranged to go on a night out with friends but feared he would not let her go.

When he arrived at her home she went outside to his van to speak to him, got inside and asked for the keys to prevent him driving away.

He went to pass her the keys but " ragged" the key from her hand and drove off.

As she begged him to stop he grabbed her hair, slammed her head into the dashboard and called her a "stupid s**g" and "fat, dirty horrible s**g".

The couple separated then reconciled, but in June 2017 they were both at his home when they started to argue.

"Hill bit her on her arm, causing a mark, and grabbed her thigh.

On February 1, 2018, they arrived back in a bedroom at the Samlesbury Hotel intoxicated and started to argue.

Hill forcefully got on top of her and pinned down her arms, biting her lip.

They separated again but in April 2018 they resumed contact.

On November 25, 2018, they went for a meal at the Bluebird Inn in Samlesbury, where they had been intending to stay overnight, but he became angry when she received texts from friends asking if she wanted to go out.

He threw garlic bread at her and called her a s**g.

She went upstairs to collect her possessions and phone a taxi but Hill said he would drive her home.

While driving he slammed on the brakes and she hit her head and burst her nose.

On seeing the blood he smashed his own head against the steering wheel, said he would kill himself, blamed her but then apologised and took her home.

Defending, Michael Maher said Hill had received death threats on social media as a result of the case, but was now a very different person.

Judge Simon Medland QC acknowledged he had no previous convictions and positive references bit added: " I'm required to balance the aggravating and mitigating features in the case.

"These are repeated assaults on the victim. Often they were accompanied by foul, demeaning language."

He imposed 12 weeks in a young offender's institution, suspended for two years, and a restraining order for five years.

Hill must also pay £1,000 compensation.

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