An abusive boyfriend threw dog faeces at his partner and threatened to kill her during a seven-month ordeal likened to "torture" which left her feeling "worthless".

Daryl Bush wept inconsolably in the dock at Southampton Crown Court as he awaited his sentence for the physical and verbal attacks.

On one occasion, the 37-year-old hurled dog poo towards his victim, causing it to cover her bed and furniture at her home in Totton.

“In May of 2024, the defendant sprayed an entire bottle of deodorant over the victim, calling her ‘smelly’ and comparing her to his previous partner”, prosecutor Andrew Coley told the court.

Bush then hit himself over the head with the empty can, which was “an attempt for the victim to hit him”, Mr Coley said.

Daryl Bush, pictured, broke down crying in court as he was sentenced Daryl Bush, pictured, broke down crying in court as he was sentenced (Image: Hampshire Constabulary) When she did not retaliate, he proceeded to hit himself, broke her dog’s bowl, tore a pillow, and threatened suicide.

He also threatened to “burn down” the victim’s garage, where her pet reptiles lived.

She told the police: “I believe he said it as he knows how much I care about my animals.”

Mr Coley said the victim knew Bush had a previous conviction for arson so believed he would carry out such threats.

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An audio recording of the defendant, made by the victim, was played to the court, where he was heard telling her: “I am only this angry when I am around you.”

The victim was then heard saying: “Leave the room then.”

He also threatened to kill her, the court heard.

'I feel drained'

In a victim impact statement read out in court by Mr Coley, the victim said she is now distrusting of everyone and lives in fear.

She said: “I feel drained and picked apart.

“The thing that has broken me the most is loving someone and having that thrown back in my face to make me feel worthless.”

Mitigating, Laura Deuxberry said Bush is “disgusted with his behaviour”.

She said: “Domestic abuse is something he witnessed and experienced as a child.

“That is not an excuse, but it seems that his problems go back to his childhood and need to be resolved.”

Bush, of Ledbury Road, Paulsgrove, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.

Judge Peter Henry described his actions as a “prolonged period of mental torture for a significant amount of time”.

He said: “You made her feel worthless. You criticised the way she looked, and you criticised her children.

“You behaved in a way specifically designed to undermine her confidence.”

He handed Bush an 18-month prison sentence.