A 'dangerous' and 'disgraceful' abuser attacked a woman while she was six months pregnant then threw water over her, a court has heard.

It was one of a number of crimes committed by Joshua Fregene against a woman with whom he was in a relationship for around 10 years.

Over the course of this relationship, according to GMP Trafford, there were arguments in which Fregene accused the victim of cheating, checking her phone, and controlling her and coercing her into thinking she was in the wrong.

These arguments turned to violence and, in May 2022, Fregene assaulted the victim and caused a black eye, bruises, and a nose bleed.

On another occasion he attacked the woman while she was six months pregnant then threw water over her.

Then, in October 2022, he punched the woman over and over again while she was curled up in a ball and threatened to slit her throat.

Fregene told the victim she caused him 'distress' and said he would overdose on drugs. On one occasion he sent a 'suicide note' and said it was her fault their children would grow up without their father.

But, in October 2022, the victim approached the police and, on the same day, the police arrested Fregene. He denied a number of charges.

However, after a trial, he was convicted of assault by beating, assault causing actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercing behaviour.

Fregene, of no fixed address, received a sentence of three years in prison last week. He also received a restraining order of five years.

Detective Ross Sidebottom, of GMP Trafford, said: "Firstly of all, I want to acknowledge and commend the victim’s bravery for coming forward and speaking to us about the abuse Fregene inflicted upon her.

"The last few months has undoubtedly been such a distressing process for her and her loved ones and throughout this investigation and trial."

He added: “Fregene’s crimes are disgraceful and his lack of remorse for the victim and her children’s welfare is despicable. He is a dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him today.

"I truly hope that the sentence of this dangerous individual brings some form of peace to all the victims and their loved ones."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.