A BRAVE Wiltshire mother has spoken out about the abuse she suffered while pregnant, after her former partner was jailed for 27 months.

The 28-year-old offender was sentenced after admitting intentional strangulation, assault and criminal damage. He has also been handed a 10-year restraining order.

In a powerful Victim Personal Statement read in court, the woman described the lasting impact of the abuse and her determination to protect her child.

“If you can hurt me while I’m carrying your baby, you have no business being part of our lives.”

She spoke of feeling judged during her pregnancy, adding: “Not for my actions but for someone else’s, made to feel like I was in the wrong.

“But I am strong, I got through that and ensured through everything that was going on, I stayed healthy in body and mind, to ensure my little baby was the healthiest he could be.”

The victim described emotional abuse, including cruel comments about her appearance and pregnancy.

“The verbal abuse I experienced while pregnant was unacceptable,” she said, explaining how it left her feeling insecure and withdrawn.

She also revealed how she was isolated from loved ones and left to manage finances alone, building up debt while her partner controlled money and behaviour.

“I lived on constant eggshells,” she said. “I struggle most at night when the baby is asleep and the house is quiet.”

Since leaving the relationship, she says life has changed dramatically. “Everyone has said I’m like a completely different person now. And I can agree!

“This will be something that will affect me for the rest of my life, but I just want to move on and heal as much as I can.”

Local crime investigator Maria Doyle praised her courage, saying: “Days like these, when we can see how we have helped bring an offender to justice, make my job worthwhile.

“I have worked with this victim/survivor for the past year to bring him before the courts, and I know that at times she felt like giving up. I am so proud of her. She showed immense resilience, and we achieved the best possible result for her and her little boy.”

Police are urging anyone experiencing domestic abuse to seek help and speak out.