Simon Duvall, who runs an events company, was "aggressive, violent and manipulative" almost from the start of their relationship in 2020.

Norwich Crown Court heard the 44-year-old would often become angry after arguments and told her his assaults were to "teach her a lesson".

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

On one occasion in November 2021 he "dragged her about by the hair" and "threw her out of the house".

In another incident in 2021 during consensual rough sex Duvall - who has been involved in helping stage a number of events in Norfolk, including Sundown at the Norfolk Showground and Tales in the Park at Norwich's Earlham Park - "hit her numerous times on her buttocks".

The victim was also grabbed around the throat by Duvall who on one occasion "took her to the top of the stairs" making her fear "he was going to throw her down them".

In another incident, Duvall, director of UK Event Production Ltd, pushed her against the wall and stamped on her foot so hard "it caused a fracture".

In a "litany" of text messages sent by Duvall to the woman he questioned where she was and who she was with.

On one occasion he told her he hoped her "drink got spiked".

The messages sent to her were "undermining and manipulative", the court was told.

Simon Duvall (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Duvall, of Kingfisher Close, Cringleford, was sentenced to 28 months imprisonment after previously admitting two offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against the woman between April 2021 and January 2022.

He also admitted controlling and coercive behaviour against the woman between the same dates.

Judge Katharine Moore said he had treated the victim "appallingly" and that she had been "put in fear of violence on many occasions".

Judge Katharine Moore (Image: Newsquest)

Michael Clare, mitigating, said Duvall, who was of previous good character, accepts what he had done was wrong and was remorseful.

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Mr Clare said he had not offended again in the four years he had been on bail and said those who were employed at his events companies would suffer were he to be incarcerated.

Duvall was also made the subject of a restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly for the next five years.

© Norwich Evening News