A domestic violence “sadist” who used violence and threats of further attacks to control his terrified partner has received a 15-year prison sentence.

As Michael Francis is classed as, “a dangerous offender” he must serve at least ten years behind bars and can only be released after that at the behest of the Parole Board but may spend the full 15 years in jail.

Upon his eventual release he will be subject to two years’ extended licence period.

It follows his second conviction for serious domestic abuse against a partner after he received a seven-year sentence at Durham Crown Court in January 2019.

Read more: Pair both convicted and jailed for attacks on former partners in County Durham

The latest offences, against a previous ex-partner, pre-date the crimes for which he was convicted in 2019, arising from his abusive behaviour with another woman, between 2015 and early 2016.

Francis, 31, whose most recent address was said to be at a hostel in the Teesside area, was convicted of four charges of assault, two particularly serious, plus two of criminal damage, offences he denied, following a two-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court, in late July and early August.

The case was subject to a series of delays prior to that, partly caused by the Covid pandemic.

During their relationship Francis subjected his victim to repeated abuse both mentally and physically, over several months, with some incidents said to be so horrific that they disturbed detectives investigating the case.

One involved him dragging his partner from a car in a secluded area near Witton-le-Wear, and pushing her face into muddy puddles repeatedly, holding it under for seconds at a time, repeatedly kicking and punching her as he did so.

This was said to have been carried out in the hope of infecting a previous split lip he inflicted on the victim.

The sentencing hearing heard from the victim, by video link, who spoke of the psychological harm she suffered during the ordeal, to the point where she thought she would die at his hands.

She only escaped the violence after fleeing to a refuge, where she lived for some time after the abusive relationship.

The victim has since been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, suffering with panic attacks, flashbacks and migraine as a result.

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In delivering his sentencing speech, Judge Tim Gittins told Francis: “It is difficult to do justice to the compelling evidence as to the nature of the offences and the psychological terror she was in during your relationship and for some time after your abuse.

“I have no doubt there have been many occasions she feared for her life.”

Judge Gittins said the defendant seemed to take, “savage relish” from the injuries he inflicted on his victim, including incidents on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, while he was under the influence of drink and drugs.

The judge said Francis has, “a history of serious violence”, including a non-domestic conviction for manslaughter in 2010.

“I have seen nothing in terms of remorse or demonstrations of insight that you remain anything other than a significant and substantial risk to females, with whom you are in a relationship, of causing them serious psychological harm.”

Judge Adkin made Francis subject to a lifelong restraining order forbidding contact or approaches to the victim.

The judge also commended the “careful support” given to the victim by Detective Constable Helen Towns during the course of the investigation and court proceedings, dealing with, “skill and application in a complex case.”

Referring to the victim, Det Con Towns, who led the investigation, previously said: “She suffered horrendously at the hands of Francis so it showed true grit and determination to resurrect her case especially when she was experiencing such fear and trauma.

“I have so much admiration for her tenacity and find her hope that she would be able to prevent what happened to her from happening to someone else, incredibly inspiring.

“She has been unwavering in her pursuit of the justice she now has and I’m so glad she is now receiving the support and treatment to help her rebuild her life and concentrate on her future.”

Senior crown prosecutor Lisa Callum, of the Crown Prosecution Service, North East, said: “Michael Francis tried to control his victim through repeated threats and intimidation.

"At times he would launch into wholly unprovoked rages, during which he would physically and sexually assault his victim.

"Throughout this prosecution, Francis’ victim has received commendable support from Durham Constabulary, without which it may not have been possible to secure these convictions.

"The Crown Prosecution Service has worked very closely with police colleagues to build a robust case against a particularly dangerous offender, which is reflected in the significant sentence he has been given.”

“The cumulative effect of Francis’ behaviour has had a significant and lasting impact on the woman in this case and I sincerely hope that this sentence provides her with some measure of comfort.”

Domestic abuse victims can contact the refuge group Harbour on its 24-hour hotline, (03000) 202525, but for those in imminent danger, a 999 call should be made.

Further information advice victims can contact www.durham.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Personal-safety/Domestic-abuse.aspx.

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