A man subjected a Romford woman to a ten-month campaign of domestic abuse including telling her “you’re not getting out of this flat alive”.
Keith Bird, of Pemell Close in Bethnal Green, assaulted, degraded and threatened a woman he was in a relationship with.
The 54-year-old was jailed for two years and nine months at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday (August 25) after he pleaded guilty to assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Just six months earlier, Bird had received a suspended sentence for controlling or coercive behaviour against another former partner.
At the time of that sentence, Bird was already in an abusive relationship with his latest victim.
The victim told the police: “Very early in our relationship, Keith started to shout at me and belittle me, becoming aggressive and rude.”
He became paranoid that she was cheating on him, so began controlling her behaviour and who she could talk to.
He also installed a camera at her home to monitor her movements, the court heard.
Mr Vitiello said Bird was physically violent and threatening on numerous occasions.
The victim said he told her: “You’re not getting out of the flat alive, I could murder you.”
He told her he was previously involved in drugs and gangs, so she didn’t want to upset him.
“The defendant even sought to isolate her from her parents and family, telling her they didn’t love or care for her,” Mr Vitiello said.
On May 11, the police attended the victim’s home in Romford following an anonymous tip-off about violence.
She told officers there was no problem, but officers were suspicious and got back in touch with her to disclose under Clare’s Law that Bird was a convicted domestic abuser.
The woman then revealed the abuse she had been subjected to.
In an impact statement, she said: “This has had a lasting effect on me and it’s going to take a while to get over.
“He made me feel worthless and degraded – like I was nothing.”
Bird has 16 previous convictions for 25 offences including for possession of knives and violence.
Rachel Warner, defending, said: “Mr Bird acknowledges the harm and distress he has caused and he is taking responsibility for his behaviour.
“He recognises what he did was wrong and he is deeply ashamed of the pain and distress he has caused.”
Ms Warner said while it was no excuse, a drinking problem contributed to his behaviour.
Judge Paul Southern, sentencing, said: “You criticised her appearance, made her block friends from contacting her by phone, attempted to control her financially by telling her she was in debt to you.
“You told her that her family didn’t care about her, told her she was mentally ill, and tried to control her freedom of movement and took opportunities to humiliate her in public.
“It’s quite clear that your objective to damage her self-esteem was achieved.”
He sentenced Bird to two years and nine months in prison – which included activating two previous suspended sentences.
An indefinite restraining order was made.
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