Violent Sunderland brute jailed after hitting girlfriend with hammer and throwing TV and gin bottle at her

Amir Hussain's girlfriend was so scared of his violent behaviour that she hid in bushes outside her home for three hours one night in a bid to keep away from him.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 25-year-old thug threw a TV and a gin bottle, that he had bought for her birthday, at her and hit her with a hammer on the arm and hip during months of terrifying abuse.

Prosecutor Helen Towers said the couple's relationship began "positively" in February last year and lasted even when he was sent to prison for having a bladed article.

The court heard Hussain quickly moved in with the woman and the relationship deteriorated, while he began to "push and shove" her during arguments.

Miss Towers said the victim ended up "absolutely terrified" of Hussain and added: "If the defendant moved even a toe she would flinch, fearing he was going to assault her for no reason."

Miss Towers said the woman felt unable to go anywhere without Hussain, was not allowed male friends and now feels like "a lost person in a massive world" who is afraid to go out and constantly feels like she is being followed.

She added: "During the relationship she lost approximately six stone.

"She is concerned, upon the defendant's release from prison, he will come to her property and kill her."

Hussain, of Wentworth Terrace, Sunderland, admitted controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.

The court heard he has a conviction for using violence on a previous partner and her sister.

Mr Recorder Ian Mullarkey sentenced Hussain to three years behind bars with a lifelong restraining order to keep him away from the victim.

The judge said Hussain used "multiple methods" of control and told him: "The complainant was left in a constant state of fear as to when she might be assaulted by you.

"It is apparent this offending has had a significant and long lasting affect on her.

"She speaks of losing weight, six stone and now constantly looking over her shoulder and living in fear.

"This was a prolonged campaign of appalling domestic abuse."

Lewis Kerr, defending, said Hussain has achieved "enhanced" status in prison and works in the laundry.

Mr Kerr said Hussain plans to move to Leeds after his release.

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