A Chippenham man has been jailed for four years after pleading guilty to beating up his partner regularly over an eight-month period.

Gregory Ford left his partner with a variety of injuries including black eyes before she eventually fled to safety.

In the first attack brought to court, he repeatedly punched the woman in the face, head and ribs in a vicious attack in April 2022.

She was left with bruising, two black eyes and bruised ribs.

Then, in November, he kicked her to the back, grabbing her by her coat and causing it to rip.

The 46-year-old then grabbed her by the hair, threw her to the floor and kicked her repeatedly to the head.

The following month, Ford, of James Close, slapped his victim to the face, causing her to fall to the floor, before throwing her belongings out of the address as she managed to escape to a refuge. Just days later, she contacted police to report the assaults.

He was hauled in front of Swindon Crown Court on Thursday, March 23, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

Swindon Advertiser: Gregory Ford repeatedly punched his partner in the face.Gregory Ford repeatedly punched his partner in the face. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Local crime investigator Chris Brinicombe said he had "nothing but admiration for" the victim for having the "courage and bravery" to go to the police.

He said: “Ford initially denied he had assaulted his partner in interview – until he was shown photographs that she had taken on her phone following each incident of abuse. He broke down in interview and pleaded guilty in court.

“Ford’s victim sustained multiple injuries at the hands of her partner. This is completely disgraceful and shocking behaviour that simply will not be tolerated.

“I’d like to praise the victim for having the foresight to take photographs of her injuries to help strengthen her case against Ford. A picture paints a thousand words and in this case it really helped make it impossible for Ford to escape punishment.

“Whilst I do not underestimate the long lasting effects Ford’s behaviour will have on his victim, I have nothing but admiration for her for having the courage and bravery to report her ordeal to police.

“This is the first step in ensuring justice could be served and I hope this prison sentence is reassuring to both her and the community that we will do all we can to ensure perpetrators are put before the courts.”