A MAN who ‘regards women as his possession’ harassed and attacked his partner - even throwing rocks through her bedroom window.

Daniel Potter abused his girlfriend over a two-month period, raising his fists to her, calling her names and assaulting her.

A court was told how the victim “felt she couldn’t escape” and when she tried to break up with him several times, he would self-harm.

The 32-year-old was drinking heavily when he began controlling her, locking the door and hurling verbal abuse at her if she ever spoke to other men.

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A court was told he would take her phone and fragrances, among other possessions, and use these as “bargaining tools”.

He threatened to get his friend to beat her up, often held his fists up as if he was going to hit her, and threw rocks through her bedroom window with a catapult.

On another occasion he grabbed and dragged her up the road, causing bruising and swelling when she hit her head.

Another time, he stole her bag and pushed her to the floor injuring her elbow and knee.

Other incidents included him throwing eggs at her window, bombarding her with texts and calls, and squaring up to her neighbour when he wouldn’t let him into the property.

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Potter, of Freshfield Road, Southampton pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour and common assault.

Prosecuting, Anthony Waller told Southampton Crown Court that Potter threatened to kill his partner multiple times and would argue with her every day.

He said this caused “psychological harm”.

Potter has 42 previous convictions for 92 offences including harassment, threatening to destroy property, possession of class B drugs and battery.

But mitigating, Lucy Conroy said Potter knows his behaviour was "very wrong".

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"It’s fair to say that this part of Mr Potter’s life and much of his antecedent history is as a young man with addiction issues.

"He is somebody who has very clearly behaved in an appalling way but there is some good in him."

She told the court Potter struggled with poor mental health and grew up with domestic abuse.

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Judge Peter Henry said Potter is “perfectly mature and knew exactly what [he] was doing”.

“When you get yourself drunk or on drugs, from your history, you know what the consequences are.

“You are a person who regards women as your possession. You try and make them feel that it is their fault.

“It appears that despite all you have done to her, she seems to think that she can change you.”

He jailed Potter for 21 months.

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