MY horrible estranged husband says he hates me, but won’t let me go.

I’ve consulted a lawyer regarding a divorce, but he’s making things difficult.

He has been verbally abusive towards me for years. He’s always telling me I’m useless and he hates me. Yet he’s furious that I’m leaving.

He’s gone through every tactic – from pleading to threatening – in an effort to make me stay.

Now he is at the nasty stage. He’s threatening to contact everyone we know – from my parents to my oldest friends – to tell them what a “slag and old tart” I am.

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of sleeping with my boss in 2016. It’s a secret I have managed to keep under wraps.

Now I’m terrified that my furious husband is going to expose me and ruin my life.

He knows just how to get to me in order to make me feel guilty and weak.

JANE SAYS: Call his bluff by telling him to go ahead and say anything he likes, because it really doesn’t matter any longer.

Clearly he is a desperate man who is now clutching at straws. Having bullied and hurt you for the duration of your marriage, he is trying every dirty trick he can think of.

Tell him that you are thinking of writing a few emails of your own – to your lawyer and the police – regarding his behaviour towards you. How does he like the idea of that?

Be strong and don’t allow him to bring you down.

Once you are on your own your life will start again.

You just have to remember there is peace and happiness on the other side of this.

He doesn’t own or define you and the sooner this marriage is dissolved, the sooner you will start to be your old self again.