A Bolton man was abusive towards his partner for more than a year and kicked her so hard that she will be on painkillers for the rest of her life.

Gary Thorpe engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards the woman between March 2021 and June the following year.

He appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentencing.

Eleanor Gleeson, prosecuting, said: “During the relationship the defendant went from being a loving and caring partner to being an abusive one.”

He restricted her use of social media, accused her of being unfaithful and was violent on multiple occasions, the court heard.

Thorpe also stopped her from seeing friends and after an argument would leave the house and return as though nothing had happened.

Miss Gleeson added: “He kicked her in the back.

“It is still causing pain.

“She has been told she would be on pregabalin for the rest of her life.”

Thorpe, 32, appeared in court to be sentenced after admitting controlling and coercive behaviour over the 16 month period.

Edmund Potts, defending, said he had been in custody for so long he had already served the equivalent of any prison sentence that would be imposed.

He also argued Thorpe needed help, as he had been told by professionals he had the cognitive age of someone much younger.

Thorpe had previously worked as a cleaner at a casino in Bolton.

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Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said: “She hoped you would be able to change which you did not.”

He imposed a sentence of 13 months which would result in Thorpe being released imminently.

But the judge also warned the man from Brookhouse Avenue, Farnworth, about his future conduct.

He said: “This is going to be on your record.

“Should you be involved in brutal and abusive behaviour towards future partners you may be given a much longer sentence.”