A violent man who strangled his former partner, broke her arm and threatened to put her “in a body bag” during a sustained campaign of domestic abuse has been jailed. Nathan Grant, 33, of Collingwood Road, Long Eaton, Derbyshire, subjected the woman to repeated violence and controlling behaviour throughout their relationship. During one attack, Grant punched his victim in the ribs, arms and legs before strangling her until she was unable to breathe. She suffered a broken arm during the violence and later told police about numerous other assaults, including an incident in which Grant bit her on the nose.

Threatened to kill his former partner

Grant also threatened the woman, telling her: “I’m going to put you in a body bag.” Police said his behaviour was controlling throughout their relationship and continued even after the couple separated. He repeatedly contacted his former partner and turned up at her home despite being on licence following his release from prison for a previous violent offence. Grant was eventually arrested in Nottinghamshire. He admitted two counts of intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

Extended prison sentence

Appearing at Derby Crown Court, Grant was handed an extended sentence of seven years and nine months on 20 July. His victim described the devastating physical and psychological impact the abuse has had on her life. She said: “I feel like I am having to build myself back up. “I am definitely not there yet and I am not the person I was before.” The woman said Grant’s behaviour had damaged her confidence and caused her to question her own worth, while the repeated violence had led her to begin believing that what was happening to her was “normal”.

Police praise victim’s courage

Detective staff investigator Lucy Taylor described Grant as “clearly a man with a violent temper” and said his previous imprisonment had failed to change his behaviour. She praised the victim for having the courage to report what had happened and urged other people experiencing domestic abuse to seek help. “We will listen without judgement and support you throughout,” she said.  

Originally published by UKNIP.