Controlling thug banned girlfriend from eating meat
A CONTROLLING thug repeatedly put his girlfriend down and banned her from eating meat because of his strict vegan lifestyle.
Christopher Ellam, 22, called her a ‘fat disgusting bitch’, ripped up her clothing and would kick off if he didn’t like the way the victim looked at other men on TV.
She spoke of her fear of Ellam and how his violent and controlling behaviour had ruined her life.
Ellam pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to assault by beating, two counts of criminal damage and sending indecent or grossly offensive messages for the purpose of causing anxiety or distress.
Lisa Evans, prosecuting, told Kirklees magistrates that the couple were in a relationship for four years.
She said: “She describes him as being violent and abusive. He was verbally aggressive, calling her stupid on a regular basis. He called her a ‘fat disgusting bitch’ and an ‘ugly c**t’.
“He’s a strict vegan and didn’t allow her to consume animal products.
“She helped her stepfather in a cafe and was subjected to abuse if she returned home smelling of meat.”
Ellam smashed a TV belonging to the victim at the Milnsbridge property and on April 4 attacked her.
Ms Evans said: “He used a vinegar bottle to hit her, causing bruising to her body.”
Ellam also damaged a black and red lace dress the victim bought for her birthday, two pairs of shoes and a cardigan by cutting them up. He also sent her a ‘significant amount’ of abusive messages on Facebook.
And magistrates were told that he went to the victim’s place of work, a car dealership, and caused problems for her there.
At an earlier hearing the Huddersfield court heard how the victim described the relationship as ‘awful’ and said that she had been scared of Ellam, of Quarry Road in Crosland Moor, for a long time.
Deputy District Judge described his behaviour as ‘disgusting’ after hearing that if she screamed he would only become more violent towards her.
In a victim impact statement she said that her ordeal had left her suffering from anxiety and depression and unable to sleep due to nightmares.
She told how she was scared to go out and barely saw her friends anymore.
The victim is currently unable to work and believes that any future relationships will be impacted upon.
She said: “I’ve been affected very badly by everything that’s gone on in this relationship. He’s ruined my life.
“My trust in people has gone and I’ve no confidence left.”
Due to the injuries she suffered she had to undergo hospital tests. She has bumps to the back of her head but has been advised that these are hematomas and will go down eventually.
Mohammed Arif, mitigating, said that his client had suffered mental health issues after being bullied at school.
Magistrates sentenced Ellam to a community order including the 33 day Building Better Relationships programme. He must complete up to 10 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Ellam was ordered to pay the victim £500 compensation as well as £85 court costs and £85 victim surcharge.
Magistrates made a two year restraining order banning him from contacting his ex or going to her home.