Man who abused and assaulted partner jailed
Police said Nathan Russell was a dangerous man
- Published
Warning - this story contains distressing content and discussion of domestic abuse
A man who subjected his partner to a catalogue of abuse including forcing her to eat from the floor has been jailed for 12 years.
Nathan Russell was found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour and sexual assault following a trial at Leeds Crown Court.
The jury was told how the 32-year-old, of Scott Hall Road, Leeds, would also hit his partner with a metal paddle.
In her victim impact statement, the woman said: "Violence against women needs to stop, I believe it starts with women speaking out and holding up a mirror of justice to men like you."
West Yorkshire Police started an investigation when the woman contacted officers after telling a family member about the domestic abuse.
The court was told about the extent of abuse, which also included Russell spitting at the woman and tying her to tables and chairs.
In a victim impact statement submitted to the court, the woman said: "Being the person that I am I will never be able to understand how another human being could intentionally physically and mentally torture another the way that you did.
"I'm glad I can't understand that because I believe the ability to justify the behaviours you showed are what make you so extremely dangerous.
"Before I met you, I had a large social circle, loved experiencing new things without a fear in the world.
"I was outspoken and confident in the person I was, and I genuinely believe these attributes are what led you to want to break me down and make me your victim of abuse."
Addressing her abuser, she added: "You need to see the immense gravity of what your actions have caused because no woman on this earth should ever experience any type of abuse, let alone the level in which you were comfortable taking it too."
Speaking after sentencing, Det Con Jessica Johnston, of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, described Russell as a "dangerous man" and praised the victim's "bravery and resilience".
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