(Image: PA)
A domestic abuser survivor has spoken of how her now former partner prevented her from leading "a normal life".
Her relationship with Jamie Suttle, 34, is over, but the effects upon her are not.
York Crown Court heard how the 34-year-old moved into the woman’s home shortly after forming a relationship with her and then started controlling everything she did.
He also strangled and physically assaulted her.
He asked her to marry him and after she said yes, used her engagement ring against her by taking it off her when he was annoyed, throwing it in the bin and watching her try to retrieve it.
She described in a personal statement how during the relationship she was so terrified about what Suttle would do to her that she changed her behaviour to pacify him “rather than lead a normal life”.
“I felt frightened and constantly on edge,” she said. “Being strangled was terrifying, I felt I might be seriously injured or killed.”
She still suffers physically from what happened to her that day, she said.
The emotional effects continue. She has panic attacks, cannot sleep and has nightmares when she imagines Suttle standing by her bedside ready to hit her.
Domestic abuser Jamie Suttle (Image: North Yorkshire Police)
“This has damaged my confidence and ability to trust people. I feel I have lost the sparkle I once had,” she said.
He tracked her movements and watched her through a Ring doorbell, the court heard.
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“I continue to live with the fear, the memories and the consequences of what happened. I am still trying to feel safe again,” she said.
She now finds it hard to trust people and feel safe in relationships and she fears about the long-term effects on those she loves.
- The York-based charity Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) helps anyone suffering from or affected by domestic abuse of any kind including physical, emotional, psychological or sexual.
- Its 24-hour helpline is 0808 2000 247, its North Yorkshire contact number is 03000 110 110 and its email is at info@idas.org.uk
Its website is idas.org