A man has been jailed after he subjected his partner from Dolgellau to a decade of abuse.

Caernarfon Crown Court heard Michael Jones became "jealous and possessive" of his victim, threatening to stab her and even preventing her from seeing her friends and family.

The 41 year-old from Belfast was also banned from contacting her for life under a restraining order.

North Wales Police said Jones began abusing his partner shortly after their relationship began in 2014.

He became 'demeaning towards her', making baseless allegations of infedelity and was financially abusive, as well as repeatedly causing damage to their family home.

Then, on Christmas Eve 2021, Jones assaulted the victim, grabbing her hair and pushing her to the ground, then spitting in her face and kicking her to the stomach, before damaging her car.

Another assault followed three years later, when Jones punched and repeatedly kicked his partner, spitting in her face and throwing her into a door and across the room.

The victim finally reported Jones to police last month and he was charged and remanded in custody.

In court, Jones went onto plead guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.

He also admitted sending a photo of his genitals to a second victim in March this year, to cause alarm, distress or humiliation.

Jones was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison and banned from approaching both of his victims for life.

Following sentencing on Monday, DC Annie Britton, who led the investigation, said: "I commend the victim for her courage to report over a decade of abusive behaviour and supporting the investigation throughout."

"Despite ending the relationship, the victim continued to receive messages of abuse and threats from Jones, including a threat to stab her I the neck."

"Nobody should live in fear or ever be made to feel unsafe in their home. We remain fully committed to protecting victims of domestic abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice."

"Anyone experiencing abuse, or concerned for the welfare of someone else, is urged to contact us – we will listen, we will support you and we will act."