A 29-year-old man has been jailed for harassing his ex-partner, who lives in North Herts and “truly believed he was capable of killing her”.

Deneaton Brown of Waller Avenue in Luton was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, where he was also given a restraining order not to contact the victim.

Police have said that Brown was controlling, abusive and violent during his relationship with the victim and after they split up he continued to harass her.

In July this year, Brown called the victim and calmly told her that he was going to kill her.

During the same month, he called her 14 times within two hours threatening and abusing her. She received a further 49 missed calls from Brown during that day, and another 29 missed calls the following day.

Brown was later arrested and during interview denied ever threatening her.

He was charged with harassment and putting his victim in fear of violence between July 14 and July 29, this year.

PC Gary Bangs, from the Herts police Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit, said: “The victim in this case truly believed that Brown was capable of killing her.

“Early in their relationship he began checking her mobile phone and wouldn’t let her see friends and family members.

“He would subject her to beatings – biting her, spitting at her and choking her. He even burnt her with an iron.

“After their relationship had ended in January 2017, Brown continued to try and control her.

“The victim in this case has been incredibly brave throughout the investigative and court process.

“Brown’s behaviour was controlling, abusive and violent and way beyond what is acceptable in a normal relationship.

“He subjected his victim to a sustained campaign of abuse over many years and I hope that following this significant jail sentence she now feels able to move forward with her life and no longer living in fear.”

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experience domestic abuse can contact the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline for support by calling 08 088 088 088 or visit www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org.