The warning follows the conviction of 25-year-old Sunderland man, Amir Hussain, who subjected his ex-partner to a harrowing campaign of mental and physical abuse. Hussain’s relationship with his ex-partner started well, he lavished her with love and called her his ‘princess’ but six months into the relationship his caring qualities began to disappear. Northumbria police said that as the relationship went on he became increasingly controlling and forced his then-partner to stop talking to other men and began getting physically violent. He would also call her vile insulting names, insisted she stop wearing make-up and fake tan and prevented her from leaving her home without him, police have said. His scared victim complied with his wishes and told police she started to ‘live her life on edge’ and ‘always ready to hide’ if Hussain was in a bad mood. Northumbria police say that he turned violent and he hurled a TV and a bottle of gin at her and struck her twice with a hammer in a separate attack. Earlier this year Hussain, of Wentworth Terrace, Sunderland, pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to coercive control and assault. Last Friday (December 11), he was sentenced to 24 months for coercive control and 12 months for assault – to run consecutively and received a lifetime restraining order to stay away from his victim. DC Emma Maguire was the officer in charge of the case who issued a warning that coercive control will result in a prison sentence. She said: “Amir Hussain is a dangerous and manipulative man. He made his victim’s life a misery, controlling every aspect of her life from her appearance to her friendships and using physical violence to scare her into staying with him. “Despite this, and with help from her support network, she bravely spoke out and her courage means she is free to live her life, while he is behind bars. “Two thirds of Hussain’s sentence is punishment for his controlling ways. “We take reports of coercive control extremely seriously and urge anyone suffering in silence to reach out. And if you think a friend or loved once is suffering – be their voice and contact us on their behalf.” Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.