Victim speaks out after 'relentless' rapist jailed

Michael Ball, 31, from Leigh, subjected Jasmin to physical and sexual abuse, and coercive and controlling behaviour

A woman who was subjected to months of coercive control and sexual abuse has spoken out after her ex partner was sentenced to 19 years in prison.

Michael Ball, 31, from Leigh, was found guilty of four counts of rape and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour - relating to offences against his former partner Jasmin and another woman.

A Bolton jury heard that Ball assaulted Jasmin physically and sexually, and controlled every aspect of her life - even forcing her to quit her job.

Jasmin, who waived her legal right to anonymity, said: "I feel I am now free from everything and I am happy to stand up for what is right, and not be silenced or restricted from saying what happened to me."

Terrified

Ball controlled every aspect of Jasmin's life from October 2020 to January 2021, the court heard in September.

Ball would dictate where Jasmin was allowed to go and the clothes she was allowed to wear - calling her a "slag" if he did not think her clothing was appropriate.

Isolated her from family and friends, Jasmin was repeatedly assaulted by Ball - who took out loans in her name, accessed her bank accounts without consent and even forced her to quit her job as a carer.

The 31-year-old strangled Jasmin on several occasions - including one incident where he wrapped a dressing gown cord around her neck and attempted to choke her.

The abuse turned sexual in January 2021 when Jasmin awoke to Ball raping her.

She said she was too terrified to resist, knowing that Ball had previously threatened to kill her if she ever reported him to police.

'Get through this'

"On occasion when I do unfortunately think back to the relationship and the things which Michael did to me like the assaults, putting me in the suitcase and abuse I still remember the feeling of him touching me, how it felt on my body when he was doing it to me," Jasmin told the court during her victim impact statement.

"I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that it will all be okay and you will get through this," she said.

Jasmine said her life has "completely changed" since 2021, but said it took her a long time to feel like herself again.

"It did take me some time, but I did manage to get in a relationship and I am now the proud mum to a lovely son who is my whole world and I know that through my love and care he will not treat any women or person the way Michael treated me," she said.

Jasmin said she has now started a domestic abuse survivors group session to help her process the events.

Ball was sentenced to 19 years in prison with an additional five years on license following release - and a restraining order is in place.

'Calculated and relentless'

"Michael Ball stripped away Jasmin's independence, dignity, and safety through and manipulation," said Wigan Det Sgt Sean Goddard.

"His actions were calculated and relentless, leaving Jasmin feeling trapped and terrified in her own home."

Sgt Goddard added: "I would like to commend her courage in speaking out, and in the process waiving her right to anonymity, and wanting to send a clear message that abuse in any form will never be tolerated.

"The courage Jasmine has shown is truly remarkable and we will continue to support her throughout her journey as she continues to move forward and heal.

"We will pursue the likes of Ball and bring them before the courts, no matter how long it takes. If you are suffering abuse, please reach out – help and support are available, and you do not have to face this alone."

• If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line website.