An abused husband set up a hidden camera at his home to film his wife assaulting him, because he didn't feel that police would believe him.

Forty-five-year-old Neil Tweedy had spent over a decade being physically abused by wife Helen, a teacher, who would attack him after drinking heavily.

Even on their wedding night Helen attacked Neil, smothering him with a duvet and then making him sleep on the sofa. Neil would temporarily leave the family home in Salford, but would always return.

He didn't tell police about his ordeal until after Helen had his baby and her violent behaviour continued.

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He decided to set up a hidden camera and filmed the abuse over a two-month period.

She was caught slapping Neil and swearing at him, once in front of their little girl.

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Neil handed the footage, which contained three assaults, over to police as he feared her violence might escalate.

Appearing in court, Helen admitted three charges of common assault by beating and was given a restraining order to keep her away from her husband.

Prosecuting, Robin Lynch said: "The first three years were described by the complainant as 'amazing' but the defendant began to drink in private and there sometimes there was some controlling behaviour. The defendant took over her husband's finances and told him that he had to hand over all of this wages to pay the bills.

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"In 2005 on a family holiday they were with the defendant's parents and she shoved and pushed him and slapped him in the face. The complainant said from then on it became a regular thing.

"There were many happy times but it was not unusual at all for this to happen. Despite this, they married in 2008 but that night he was and assaulted and kicked and punched to the head and body. She placed a duvet over his head for the assault to continue and he slept on the sofa.

"They did go on their honeymoon and that was described by the complainant as a good time together but the verbal and physical abuse continued and on occasions he left but would always come back thinking that she would change.

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"Four years ago, their daughter was born. The defendant stopped drinking throughout pregnancy but continued drinking again after the baby was born.

''A couple of months prior to these offences the complainant installed a camera to record her behaviour because he didn't think anyone would believe his story."

James Street, defending, said: "Really, all of these problems come from a long-term drinking problem which has led to significant mental health issues."

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Helen was given a 12-month community order with 120 hours' unpaid work and a restraining order for 12 months.

Speaking at his home following the sentencing, Neil said: "I don't support the restraining order as it will make access between her and our child difficult. We can't be amicable because of the restraining order but if there wasn't one in place then I'm sure we would be.

"The problem was just alcohol, she was admitted to hospital twice in the past year and could have died. Something had to change. It's not the kind of problem where she wakes up needing alcohol, it's just the binge drinking at weekends that's caused this.

"Hopefully now she can get the hope she needs."

If you're a man in a violent relationship speak out and get help. You can call the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 or go to www.mensadviceline.org.uk