A SOUTHAMPTON man has been jailed after subjecting his ex-partner to continued abuse and controlling behaviour.

Hoshmand Ahmadpoor pleaded guilty to coercive control at Southampton Crown Court.

He also admitted two counts of assault and criminal damage against his 28-year-old ex-girlfriend.

The court heard that his behaviour amounted to coercive control when he started to use threats of violence to control his partner in responses to disagreements, as well as bullying her to withdraw a complaint already made to police.

In June, the court was told, Ahmadpoor put his hands around the woman’s throat during an argument.

Then in September, the 25-year-old held a knife to her throat at his home and also damaged a door.

The woman did not suffer any serious injuries.

Ahmadpoor, of Bitterne Road West, has been jailed for his “relentless abuse” against the woman, who had the courage to speak out and report her suffering to the police.

He was sentenced to two years and three month in prison.

Detective Constable Hollie Cartwright from the Western Investigation Team at Hampshire Police praised the courage of Ahmadpoor’s victim in helping bring her attacker to justice.

DC Cartwright added: “We understand the level of bravery this woman has shown to help us secure this result, and we know it’s never easy for survivors of domestic abuse to come forward.

“Coercive and controlling behaviour is a debilitating crime and victims often do not realise they are suffering or that their partners behaviour is wrong.

“Tackling offenders of domestic abuse is a priority for Hampshire Constabulary and we hope this conviction shows that we put victims at the heart of our investigations.”