Man jailed for repeated coercive control of partner

Alvaro Ferreira serially abused his partner, police said

A man who threatened to disfigure his partner and put her "in a wheelchair for Christmas" has been jailed.

Alvaro Ferreira, 50, of Christie Drive, Huntingdon, had regularly abused and hit his partner throughout their relationship.

Cambridgeshire Police said he was given a suspended sentence for actual bodily harm last year, and when his partner took him back, the abuse continued.

Ferreira admitted engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and on Wednesday at Cambridge Crown Court was jailed for three years and 10 months.

Police said Ferreira would hit his victim as a punishment on the occasions she had got away from him, then returned to him.

He accused her of cheating, messaged her family pretending to be the victim, and would take her phone so she could not call for help.

Ferreira also controlled her finances and once accessed her bank account online and transferred £750 to his account without her consent.

The victim managed to escape following his last attack in December and Ferreira was arrested.

His suspended sentence was activated and he was also handed a restraining order.

Det Con Katey Shaw said: "This case goes to show that Ferreira had the chance to mend his ways, but again, showed himself to be a violent individual.

"No-one should be treated this way in a relationship, and I would commend [the victim] for her courage in coming forward.

"I hope she can now rebuild her life."