A MAN got his partner to bring him a bucket in bed along with his morning coffee because he was too lazy to get up to go to the toilet, a court heard.

Dean Hopcroft was also violent and verbally abusive to the mother of his children, even threatening to kill her, during their lengthy relationship.

But after saying it would be best for society, and any future partners, if he is rehabilitated, a judge suspended his jail term.

George Threlfall, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how the 50-year-old was routinely abusive to his partner of about ten years.

He said when the couple, who lived in Berrington Road, Park South, first got together their relationship was good.

But he said one of the victim's grown up children said that he could never recall a time when Hopcroft was nice to his mum.

Over the years the chef was repeatedly abusive, violent and jealous, repeatedly accusing her of sleeping with other men.

He would criticise the clothes she wore and tell her she was wearing too much make up, then call her a dog if she didn't wear any.

On one occasion when she was driving and missed a turning he punched her, causing the car to swerve on to the wrong side of the road.

Mr Threlfall said "In the mornings he would expect her to bring him a cup of coffee and a bucket for him to urinate in because he was too lazy to use the toilet.

"After work he would go to bed, if he wanted anything he would text her to bring anything to him.

"If she did not do it quick enough he would shout at her or pin her on to the wall or floor."

He said the people next door told the police that they routinely heard him shouting abusively at her.

Once when she was in the town centre with a large amount of Christmas shopping the neighbour saw her and offered her a lift home, but she told him she 'wasn't allowed'.

Hopcroft, who gave the court an address in Bridgend, South Wales, admitted common assault and controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.

Tony Bignall, defending, said that his client accepted the relationship was over and denied some of the allegations made against him.

Passing sentence Judge Robert Pawson said "You behaved, Mr Hopcroft, in a despicable fashion.

"You were a bully to a woman. Bullies, by definition, pick on those smaller or weaker than themselves.

"She was forced to leave her home. You have got previous convictions including for violence in an domestic context. You were often under the influence of drink and or drugs.

"It seems there is a prospect of rehabilitation: in the best interest of the general public including any woman in the future you get in to a relationship with you that you are rehabilitated."

He imposed a 12 month jail term suspended for two years with 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work.

The judge also told him to complete a building better relationships programme and pay £350 in court costs.