Locations
Scott Hall Road, Leeds, LS17
Description
“Violence against women needs to stop, I believe it starts with women speaking out and holding up a mirror of justice to men like you.”
A woman who was subjected to a horrendous catalogue of domestic abuse has spoken to the man who abused her in a powerful statement submitted to the court.
The below is an excerpt from the full victim personal statement:
“Being the person that I am I will never be able to understand how another human being could intentionally physically and mentally torture another the way that you did. I’m glad I can’t understand that because I believe the ability to justify the behaviours you showed are what make you so extremely dangerous.
“Before I met you, I had a large social circle, loved experiencing new things without a fear in the world. I was outspoken and confident in the person I was, and I genuinely believe these attributes are what led you to want to break me down and make me your victim of abuse.
“One of the reasons I’m here today and have been pursuing justice is because you need to be held accountable for your disgusting actions. You need to see the immense gravity of what your actions have caused because no woman on this earth should ever experience any type of abuse let alone the level in which you were comfortable taking it too. Violence against women needs to stop, I believe it starts with women speaking out and holding up a mirror of justice to men like you.”
Nathan Russell, aged 32, of Scott Hall Road, Leeds, was found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour and sexual assault following a three-week trial at Leeds Crown Court. He was found not guilty of a number of other offences.
He appeared at court again today (24 November) where he was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. He will also be subject to the provisions of the Sex Offender Register indefinitely
An investigation was launched after a woman came forward to police after disclosing domestic abuse offences to a family member.
The court heard how the controlling and coercive behaviour she was subjected to included Russell burning her, covering her in food, urinating on her, forcing her to lick the toilet bowl, spitting at her, tying her to chairs and tables, forcing her to eat from the floor or other surfaces and hitting her, including with a metal paddle.
Detective Constable Jessica Johnston, of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank and praise this victim of domestic abuse for her immense bravery and resilience. You can hear her bravery in the words she has shared with the court, and I hope the conclusion of this process is now a new fresh chapter for her and, hopefully, closure.
“Russell’s convictions mark the end of a long, challenging and frankly traumatic investigation for all involved. I would also like to thank the many witnesses called to the stand to give evidence and all of the police officers and police staff involved in the investigation who have worked tirelessly to take a dangerous man off the streets.
“On behalf of West Yorkshire Police, I would encourage anyone who has been subjected to any form of abuse to report the perpetrator via 101 or 999 in an emergency. Dedicated, specialist detectives are on hand to listen to you and investigate any such crimes. It is never too late.”