A man described by police as "pure evil" has been jailed for a horrific campaign of abuse against his partner, who eventually hanged herself.

One of the incidents involving Marc Masterton, 26, and his victim occurred in Romsey, where he took a car and subsequently crashed after driving the two of them to Portchester.

The woman, in her twenties, was abused between January 1 2022 and February 1 this year.

Masterton routinely assaulted her, controlled her appearance, isolated her from her friends and family, and even told her to take her own life.

The abuse was committed all over Hampshire, with assaults taking place in hotels, hostels and on public transport.

On one occasion the victim threatened to kill herself at Masterton’s home. He responded by handing her a knife and telling her to harm herself.

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Daily Echo: Marc Masterton

Masterton, formerly of Montgomerie Road in Southsea, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court after he admitted engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

The court heard how the physical and psychological impact of the abuse damaged the woman's mental health. Police say she hanged herself on February 1 this year and died in hospital.

The woman's mother said she would be "scarred forever" by her daughter's ordeal.

The court heard that Masterton would deliberately give his victim black eyes to prevent her from seeing her son. Even when she sought refuge he managed to find her and resumed his abuse.

He was jailed for 41 months for his coercive and controlling behaviour, plus a consecutive four months for the aggravated vehicle taking in Romsey.

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Police staff investigator Nikki Brogan said: "This is one of the most appalling and heartbreaking cases of domestic abuse I have ever come across.

“The violence, control, and psychological abuse suffered by this poor woman absolutely destroyed her life.

"Her family said that during the times she was away from Masterton she seemed positive, but when he drew her back into his web of abuse she simply disappeared, becoming withdrawn and unable to eat.

“This man is pure evil. What he did was utterly unforgivable."

Raising the victim's bravery he added: "It was because of her evidence, her strength, and her courage that this despicable man is now behind bars."

Detective Chief Inspector Nikki Burton added: "The evidence gathered over the course of this investigation is harrowing."

"Domestic abusers perpetrate some of the worst offending imaginable, leaving lifelong physical and emotional scars on those affected."