'I don't want other women to suffer the abuse I did'

MUM SPEAKS OUT AFTER CAMPAIGN OF TERROR AT HANDS OF EX-PARTNER

- ANN CUSACK, ASHLIE BLAKEY

A MUM has bravely spoken out about her childhood sweetheart's vile campaign of abuse against her as she urges other women to seek help.

Sarah Etchells was in a relationship with Lee Ellison for 20 years. The pair had two children together and were 'very happy' in the early stages.

But behind closed doors, for almost four years, Ellison subjected her to horrific controlling and abusive behaviour.

On one occasion, he told her 'I'll strangle the life out of you' as he throttled her.

A court heard he called her a 's**g, a 'rat' and told her she was a 'p**s stain [on] society. He repeatedly demeaned her with personal insults and would 'constantly criticise her parenting! In August of last year, Ellison, from Wythenshawe, was locked up for one year and 11 months after pleading guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour and intentional strangulation at Manchester Crown Court.

Sarah has now spoken out for the first time about her horrific ordeal.

The 42-year-old described how Ellison 'smashed her confidence to bits! She said she wasn't allowed to go out, straighten her hair or get her nails done!