Ben Wakeham made his partner “fear violence on a daily basis,” a judge said.

A “toxic” boyfriend who squirted bleach in his partner’s face and killed her two kittens was released from prison, instead of being put behind bars.

Ben Wakeham, 23 of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of controlling or coercive behaviour, and two counts of intentional suffocation. The court heard how over the course of 18 months, he unleashed a “campaign of fear” against his partner, scarring both her and her two young children.

Among the multiple attacks his victim endured were making threats against her family - and preventing her from seeing them - stopping her from entering her own home, accusing her of cheating, causing property damage, spraying bleach in her face and killing her two kittens in front of her.

Having spent the past nine months in custody, Wakeham appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, September 4, for sentencing.

James Kellam, prosecuting, said: “From the outset, the relationship was toxic. This was a prolonged series of violent and humiliating actions, with multiple methods of controlling and coercive behaviour.

“The victim’s children still need support from a counsellor. Much of this happened in front of them.”

Francesca Hallett, representing Wakeham, told the court that Wakeham was taking cocaine and cannabis at the time the offences took place. While in custody, he has gone sober, and has been working as a cleaner.

The defendant had been diagnosed with a bipolar condition, as well as a personality disorder

Wakeham recently gained his maths GCSE and had a “serious prospect of rehabilitation,” his solicitor said.

Sentencing, Judge Robin Sellers said: “This was the exact opposite of a loving relationship. You could not have got it more wrong.

“The damage you may have done to the children as a result of your actions may take years to repair.

“The victim impact statement was a harrowing story of what you did. You made her fear violence on a daily basis. You took her confidence, and she struggles to sleep. That is down to you.

“You were using cocaine and cannabis at the time - but that’s not mitigation.”

Judge Sellers sentenced Wakeham to 30 months in custody, suspended for two years and concurrent for all offences. As a result, he has now been released from prison.

Wakeham must now complete 25 rehabilitation days, and 150 hours of unpaid work. He will also be subject to a restraining order for seven years.