A man from Stockport has been jailed for coercive and controlling behaviour towards a woman, which included assault and strangulation.

36-year-old Mark Mellish was sentenced to 32 months and has also received a 10-year restraining order after pleading guilty at Bolon Crown Court.

Police received a call in July 2024 regarding an alleged offence, which prompted a wider investigation from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

In the investigation, officers subsequently found that Mellish had multiple incidences of controlling behaviour against the woman, having first met her in 2021.

Included in the charges were two instances of assault and another of strangulation.

In one instance, Mellish kicked the woman in the back of the head while she was on Facetime with her daughter.

In another, he pushed her against the wall and slapped her, and in December 2023 he also lunged at her neck and tightened his grip for a number of seconds. In both instances, the woman's daughters were present in the address at the time.

Mellish was arrested and bailed in July 2024 and was given strict conditions not to contact his victim - however, he continued to do so, even threatening to harm himself if she did not withdraw her statements to the police.

DC Emily Beacroft, from GMP Stockport's Complex Safeguarding Team, said: "Firstly I want to thank the woman involved in this case for her courage and bravery in talking to us about the abuse she endured – her help has ensured a violent criminal is now behind bars and will hopefully protect any future victims.

"Mellish's behaviour was utterly vile, attacking his victim on several occasions and exhibiting controlling and manipulative behaviour throughout the majority of the time he knew her.

"This sort of criminality is something we are absolutely dedicated to tackling and we will work with all appropriate partners to ensure these sort of people are taken off the streets and their victims are safeguarded.

"If you ever have any problems relating to controlling behaviour or something similar – please do get in touch with us. We will do what we can to help you."

Announcing the sentencing, GMP also advised anybody who was experiencing any other kind of abuse to come forward.

You can report crimes on 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.

You can also find help on GMP's support pages.