A 'violent and controlling' vegan beat his girlfriend, controlled what she watched on TV and abused her 'if she came home smelling of meat', a court heard.

Christopher Ellam, 22, would subject his girlfriend to horrific abuse by ripping up her clothing and, on one occasion, hitting her with a vinegar bottle.

Kirklees Magistrates' Court heard how his girlfriend, who he was in a relationship with for four years, said he was "violent and abusive" and had left her with anxiety and suffering from nightmares.

At an earlier hearing, Ellam, from Huddersfield, pleaded guilty to assault by beating, two counts of criminal damage and sending indecent or grossly offensive messages for the purpose of causing anxiety or distress.

Magistrates sentenced Ellam to a community order including a 10-day rehabilitation course and 200 hours of unpaid work, Examiner Live reports.

Lisa Evans, prosecuting, told the court: "He controlled what she watched on the TV and [would become] angry over males on the TV she seemed to be looking at.

"He called her a 'fat disgusting bitch' and an 'ugly c**t'.

"He's a strict vegan and didn't allow her to consume animal products.

"She helped her stepfather in a cafe and was subjected to abuse if she returned home smelling of meat."

The court heard that on April 4 Ellam violently attacked his victim with a vinegar bottle that left bruising to her back.

Ms Evans said she had "tried to cover her face with a pillow to protect herself".

He also cut up a black and red lace dress the victim bought for her birthday, two pairs of shoes and a cardigan, the court heard, as well as sending her abusive messages over Facebook.

Ms Evans said: "He denied controlling behaviour but admitted being angry at unknown men on the TV due to low confidence in himself.

"He said he didn't stop her eating red meat but it's a house rule that no meat is eaten within the flat."

At an earlier hearing, the court heard how the victim said she had been scared of Ellam for a long time.

Deputy District Judge described his behaviour as "disgusting" after hearing that if she screamed he would only become more violent towards her.

The court heard how the victim is now scared to go out, doesn't see her friends anymore and is unable to work.

In a victim impact statement heard in court, she said: "I've been affected very badly by everything that's gone on in this relationship.

"He's ruined my life. I'm trying to move on with everything but my trust in people has gone and I've no confidence left."

The injuries that Ellam inflicted left her needing hospital tests and she has been told that lumps on the back of her head are hematomas that will go down eventually.

Mohammed Arif, mitigating, told the court his client had suffered mental health issues after being bullied at school and the couple "shouldn't have got together in the first place".

"It's surprising that they lasted for four years as they are quite opposite," he said.

"He wishes to apologise to the complainant. He wants to move on from the relationship and doesn't want to instigate any kind of reconciliation."

Magistrates sentenced Ellam to a community order including the 33 day Building Better Relationships programme.

He must complete up to 10 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work and has also been ordered to pay the victim £500 compensation as well as £85 court costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Ellam is also subject to a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting his ex or going to her home.