A brave bride-to-be has spoken out after her abusive ex fiancé viciously attacked her just months before the wedding.
Becky Aitken was due to tie the knot this month but says her ex partner will now be “rotting in jail where he belongs” after he pushed her into a bath and threw an ashtray at her head.
The 39-year-old was left needing stitches to her face after the brutal assault by her ex Lee Mulligan, reports Hull Live.
Mulligan, 46, of Rhodena Avenue, Bridlington, was jailed last month at Hull Crown Court.
Becky, who is from east Yorkshire, said the attack happened last November because she was late getting home from his mother’s house.
The mum-of-three said: “It was horrific. He was like a raging bull.
"Lee was asleep on the couch when I got in but as soon as I walked into the living room, he started on me, demanding to know where I'd been.
“I ran from room to room, but he followed me, hitting and punching me as I ran.
"Then he threw me across the landing so hard, I fell into the bath with him towering over me.
"I don't know how, but I managed to break free and run downstairs. I saw him throw the big heavy ashtray through the air.
"It hit me in the face and knocked me off my feet."
After the attack Becky sought solace with a neighbour who called the police.
Becky became engaged to Lee in September. She said Lee had started to become controlling and possessive shortly into their relationship, which began three years ago.
"Lee would comment if I was a few minutes late back from visiting my pals,” she added.
"He even questioned me after I'd been to the supermarket. I felt like I had to account for my whereabouts every day.
"At first, I was flattered that he wanted to be with me constantly. I thought maybe he was a bit insecure.
"I was in no doubt that he loved me.
"I loved him, so I put up with him being possessive, and of course we had plenty of good times too."
She now says she wants nothing to do with her ex-partner.
During the court case, Clare Holmes, representing Mulligan said the couple had reunited and were planning to marry this month – but Becky says this is false.
Mulligan’s defence also relied heavily on the fact Becky did not complete a victim personal statement.
She said she did not complete one because she was frightened by the repercussions.
Judge John Thackray said that just because there was no victim personal statement, it did not mean Mulligan should get a suspended sentence.
He told Mulligan: "Let me make it clear that your offending is not less serious because it is in a domestic setting.
"There is a breach of trust in that element and a vulnerability in her."
Mulligan was sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and he was jailed for a year. He must serve at least half of his sentence in custody.
Becky added: "I can safely say that the wedding is off, and he will spend our wedding night rotting in jail where he belongs.
"I never want to see him again."
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, please contact Women’s Aid at www.womensaid.org.uk
Or contact the 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline on 0800 2000 247.
