A violent bully who tormented a woman, including punching and kicking her, for more than year has been jailed.

Thug Kasey Knowles subjected his victim to physical and verbal abuse in Maidstone from January 2021 to February this year.

He punched, kicked, and threatened to kill the victim on numerous occasions.

The 28-year-old was arrested on February 21 after the woman rang 999 having suffered verbal abuse from Knowles throughout the day, which left her in fear of another assault.

When officers arrived at her address, Knowles fled into the back garden where he was detained, despite a struggle with officers to evade capture.

An investigation revealed evidence of relentless abuse to the victim, who had kept photographs of her injuries.

Knowles, of no fixed address, was charged with coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as being charged with resisting an officer in the execution of his duty.

"Knowles is a violent bully who put his victim through a traumatic ordeal..."

Earlier this month he pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.

This included five months’ imprisonment for the activation of a suspended sentence.

Detective Inspector Gemma Pawley, of the West Kent vulnerability investigation team, said: "Knowles is a violent bully who put his victim through a traumatic ordeal and terrorised her for more than a year.

"She showed immense courage in contacting the police and it is entirely right that Knowles is now serving a prison sentence for his crimes.

"Violence against women and girls remains a key priority for Kent Police and we continue to urge victims to come forward, confident in the knowledge they will receive the best possible service.

"Remember, you are not to blame for what is happening and you can report it to us or contact several support organisations who can and will assist you."