Bully led 'campaign of cruelty' against terrified girlfriend

Mitchell Bain, 20, of St James Road, Cannock, would not allow his partner Jessica Gospel to wear make-up, decide what clothes to wear, shower or bath during the day and made her send him pictures while he was out of the house to prove she was not going against his commands.

Bain pleaded guilty to three counts of assault on his 'frightened and vulnerable' partner, as well as a charge of engaging in coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship at Cannock Magistrates' Court.

He had originally pleaded not guilty to the charges on September 21, however he changed his mind as he came before the court again.

Prosecuting, Chris Coughlan said: "The victim has been terrified of potentially having to give evidence and has had that feeling of his control still hanging over her life while she waited for this case to be brought up.

"The victim and the defendant were a couple who moved in together, since then he has bullied and controlled her, she had to change her entire way of life.

"He wouldn't allow her to wear make up or shower in the day while he was out.

"He accused her of seeing another man and made her send him photographic evidence throughout each day that not she wasn't doing that, which she has told me she would never dream of, and to make sure she was following his other orders.

"This was a campaign of cruelty that lasted months and months and months.

"In July this year it was taken up another level as he began assaulting her, initially with pushes up the wall.

"She couldn't defend herself in any situation but the assaults became more violent, she was a frightened and vulnerable woman.

"The assault which led her to pour it all out to friends and family put her in the hospital."

While the assaults began in July, the coercive behaviour had started in January, the court heard.

Defending Bain, Mohammed Khan said: "These are very serious offences and my client is very aware of that.

"Over the last few months he has had time to reflect on what he has done and I know that he has done that.

"He understands the implications of these offences and he knows that custody is an option."

The case has been put back for sentencing until December 15 so the court can get a report on Bain, who has no previous offences.

Adjourning the case until then, chief magistrate John McGarva said: "The court needs a report to help it to make the correct decision.

"This is very serious because of the number of offences, the severity of the offences and the nature of your behaviour."

Bain was told that to keep bail he must stay away from his victim.