'Coward' boyfriend used partner as punchbag and left her 'prisoner in own home'

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Bully boyfriend Lee Dunning has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after repeatedly battering his partner - and leaving her a 'prisoner in her own home'. The 40-year-old had plied his girlfriend with gifts and moved into her home without any discussion.

But the relationship became marred by daily violence as Dunning punched his partner, slapped her across the face, pulled her hair, and spat in her face. One attack left the victim in hospital requiring surgery.

Chester Crown Court heard Dunning then failed to look after his injured girlfriend, subjected her to a terrifying 24-hour ordeal in an isolated caravan, and would throw his food against the walls and make her cook the same meal again.

READ MORE:Man speeding at 90mph ignored pleas to slow down before crash killed friend

READ MORE:Police 'increasingly concerned' for missing Reece, 28

But the victim managed to kick Dunning out of the house in 2021 and plucked up the courage to call in police last December.

Now Dunning, of Wistaston Road, Crewe, has been jailed after being convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour and assaults.

Following the case, Detective Constable Kieran Marsh said: "I would like to praise the victim for having the courage to speak out, as well as the bravery that she has shown throughout the investigation. Just to get through each day in the relationship she endured is an incredible act of bravery and defiance, but to re-live that experience by speaking to the police, and telling her story in an open court, is nothing short of heroic.

“I want to thank her for making it possible for us to bring Lee Dunning to justice and for helping to protect other women he may have gone on to hurt. It has been an honour to work with her and with the brave witnesses who supported her in court."

He added: “Dunning is nothing more than a coward who will now face the consequences of his actions. Despite the life-changing physical and psychological injuries he inflicted, his sentence represents the complainant moving on, whilst he remains incarcerated with his record permanently marked. As this case demonstrates, for anyone suffering through domestic violence, there is always hope and the police will always take your experience seriously and ensure you are heard.”

Get all the latest news from court here