A "deplorable" bully who forced his partner to eat from a dog bowl during a shocking near 30-year campaign of abuse has been locked up.
Howard Johnson has been jailed for three-and-a-half years after subjecting his long-term girlfriend and mother to his child to decades of physical and mental torment.
The 52-year-old would throw her out of the house on cold nights, regularly beat her unconscious and force her to eat out of a dog bowl.
Johnson was finally arrested after smashing her over the head with a brandy bottle during a trip to Blackpool.
The brave woman often confided in close family and friends throughout the relationship, while concerned neighbours had reported several incidents to police.
The 44-year-old had been in a relationship with Johnson for 27 years, remaining with him as she believed he loved her and that his behaviour was normal.
A court heard he would belittle her in front of others and control access to her car and phone, while his regular beatings left her with bruised and cracked ribs and a broken elbow.
During a summer trip to Blackpool earlier this year he continued the sickening attack until the glass broke on her head.
She managed to flee and seek refuge in a nearby hotel, with staff phoning an ambulance and police.
After spending a night in hospital in Blackpool in May this year, the victim travelled back to her home in Walsall, West Midlands.
She reported to police that she believed Johnson was following her after attending a hospital appointment where he showed up on June 3.
Detectives were able to build a timeline of the horrifying series of possessive, controlling verbal and physical abuse.
Johnson, of Coalpool, Walsall, admitted engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour with violence.
On Tuesday (December 17) he was jailed and given a 10-year restraining order at at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Detective Constable Vanessa Nelson, from West Midlands Police, said after the case: "Johnson's behaviour and actions were deplorable.
"He is a dangerous man who bullied his long-term partner during the course of their relationship. His actions were controlling, cruel, violent and belittling.
"I wish to thank the victim's concerned neighbours and friends for having the courage to report various incidents to us. Their calls were critical to our investigation.
"We know victims often do not wish to report matters to us directly. However we were able to act upon this information and give help to protect a vulnerable woman.
"I applaud the woman's courage in coming forward and her strength through what was a long and difficult case."
