A TAUNTON man was jailed yesterday (July 25) after he assaulted his partner on multiple occasions.

The victim, who has not been named, has come out to describe the physical abuse and controlling behaviour by her husband,  29-year-old Ashley Jeanes.

She said: “I think the biggest thing for me, that broke my heart, was constantly hearing my mum tell me she was waiting for a phone call from the police, saying I’d been murdered.”

The victim reported the abuse to police and following an extensive investigation, Jeanes was sentenced to three years and one month at Taunton Crown Court yesterday.

Officer in the case, DC Jessica Bennett, said: “It is hard to put into words the horrific ordeal she endured over a significant period of time at the hands of a man who wanted to control her life.

“She showed incredible strength last year to report to us what had happened. Quite simply, without that, Ashley Jeanes would not find himself in prison and she deserves enormous credit for that.

“Jeanes’ brutal assaults and controlling behaviour didn’t just make her life a misery, it made her actually fear for her life.

“To the world Jeanes presented himself as a loving husband; but now everyone knows the monstrous truth of what a violent man he really is.

“Although she preferred for us not to use her full name, she wanted to share her story to make sure people knew what the real Ashley Jeanes was like, and we hope it provides anyone who is a victim of domestic assault with the confidence to tell us what has happened.

“We work closely with other agencies so we can help keep victims of domestic abuse safe. We will investigate all reports to try to bring the perpetrator to justice because them, and only them, are responsible for domestic abuse happening.

“But if any victim does not feel in a position to contact the police, please report it to Next Link or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline who will be able to provide you with support initially and advice.”