BACK in 2002 Duncan Mills received a two-year prison sentence at Ipswich Crown Court after admitting assaulting his then girlfriend.The court heard that Mills viciously attacked Mandy Britton on Valentine's Day that year.

BACK in 2002 Duncan Mills received a two-year prison sentence at Ipswich Crown Court after admitting assaulting his then girlfriend.

The court heard that Mills viciously attacked Mandy Britton on Valentine's Day that year.

Mills, then 26, returned home from work on February 14 and punched Mrs Britton in the face because of a misunderstanding about his collection from Ipswich railway station. He continued the assault in the bedroom, again punching her in the face and trying to force a mobile phone in her mouth.

Mrs Britton was afraid to leave Mills for fear of repercussions the court heard.

On February 17 Mills criticised Mrs Britton's housework and an argument followed. Mills “dragged” her into her daughter's bedroom and hit her over the head with a toy radio.

He also allegedly threatened to kill Mrs Britton. Mills then allegedly punched her in the eye and ordered her to take off her dressing gown so he could whip the backs of her legs. Mills then allegedly took her into the bathroom, pushed her against the wall and “jabbed” a clothes iron into her eye.

Mills had denied making the threats to kill and was found not guilty of the charge following a trial.

During the attack Mrs Britton suffered a fractured rib and severe bruising.

The court heard that Mills had been suffering from depression.