A violent and controlling vegan banned his girlfriend from eating animal products and regulated what she was allowed to watch TV.

Christopher Ellam would also subject his partner to abuse if she came home 'smelling of meat' after working at her stepdad's cafe.

Kirklees Magistrates' Court heard how he would control what she watched on TV and would kick off if he didn't like the way she looked at other men on the screen.

The 22-year-old, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, ripped up her clothing, called her a 'fat disgusting b***h' and used a vinegar bottle to hit her.

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 sending indecent or grossly offensive messages for the purpose of causing anxiety or distress.

Lisa Evans, prosecuting, said that the couple were in a relationship for four years.

She said: "She describes him as being violent and abusive.

"He controlled what she watched on the TV and (would become) angry over males on the TV she seemed to be looking at.

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 and on April 4 attacked her.

Ms Evans said: "He used a vinegar bottle to hit her, causing bruising to her body.

"She tried to cover her face with a pillow to protect herself but it didn't protect her."

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.

Ms Evans said: "He denied controlling behaviour but admitted being angry at unknown men on the TV due to low confidence in himself.

"He said he didn't stop her eating red meat but it's a house rule that no meat is eaten within the flat."

At an earlier hearing, the court heard how the victim described the relationship as 'awful' and said that she had been scared of Ellam 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. I'm trying to move on with everything but 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.

He said of the couple: "They shouldn't have got together in the first place.

"It's surprising that they lasted for four years as they are quite opposite.

"He wishes to apologise to the complainant. He wants to move on from the relationship and doesn't want to instigate any kind of reconciliation."

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. The other was made as a direct alternative to custody.

Magistrates made a two year restraining order banning him from contacting his ex or going to her home.

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Vegan banned girlfriend from eating meat and controlled what she watched on TV - Mirror Online