A man who subjected his partner to a campaign of violence and intimidation has been jailed for nearly four years.

Carl Bridson, 41, of Douglas, appeared at the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing after previously admitting domestic abuse offences committed against his former partner.

The court heard the victim believed she could ‘end up in a body bag’ as a result of the violence she suffered during their relationship.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court the couple had been in a relationship between March 31 and December 7, 2024.

Mrs Carroon said the victim described the defendant as having two very different sides to his personality.

She said: ‘The victim said the defendant drank regularly but also took painkillers which made him more unpredictable.

‘She said he could be loving and caring but suffered mood swings. She said she did not know if she would get loving Carl or nasty Carl.’

The prosecution outlined three separate incidents of violence during the relationship.

During the first incident, for which no specific date was provided, Bridson threw ashtrays and a television remote control at the victim before punching her.

Mrs Carroon said the victim was left bruised and struggling to breathe.

She told the court: ‘She said she thought he would end up killing her.’

A second incident took place on October 31, 2024.

The victim alleged that Bridson attempted to strangle her during the assault, although this allegation was denied by the defendant and not accepted as part of his guilty plea.

However, it was accepted that he struck her again and pulled out a chunk of her hair.

Mrs Carroon said: ‘The complainant said she could see pure hate in his face.’

The final incident occurred on December 7, 2024 and ultimately led to the police being called and the relationship coming to an end.

On that occasion, Bridson had been drinking cider and became angry after reading the victim’s diary.

He ‘booted’ the victim and kicked over a table before smashing a lamp during the altercation.

The victim then suffered a blow to her chest which caused her to fall to her knees.

Mrs Carroon said Bridson again pulled out a chunk of the victim’s hair and punched her in the face, leaving her with a swollen eye and bruising.

A neighbour eventually intervened and the police were called.

The court also heard that Bridson sent the victim numerous abusive text messages during the relationship.

The complainant provided a victim impact statement which was read to the court.

In it she said: ‘Carl made me feel like I have no life. I feel so worried and anxious every time I leave my home.

‘I feel I need protecting from Carl as I genuinely believe he wants me dead.

‘This has made me an emotional wreck and my nerves are shattered. I feel drained physically and mentally.’

She acknowledged that she had struggled with alcohol herself during the relationship.

The victim added: ‘It is hard to put into words the impact he has had on me but I have worked hard since the relationship ended.

‘It has taken a long time to realise I need to improve things for myself.

‘My worry is Carl will never change his behaviour and he will do it to someone else in his next relationship.’

In a basis of plea, Bridson admitted assaulting and verbally abusing the victim but denied strangling her or assaulting her with any weapon. The prosecution accepted that basis.

In mitigation, defence advocate Paul Glover said his client was a plasterer and also a talented musician.

However, he said Bridson had struggled with alcohol misuse for many years, which had contributed to what he described as a chaotic lifestyle.

Mr Glover said it was hoped that, now the relationship had ended, both parties would be able to move forward and make positive changes in their lives.

Passing sentence, Deemster Cook delivered a strongly worded condemnation of Bridson’s behaviour.

He told the defendant: ‘I’m not sure what planet you are from but you have treated women with appalling threats, intimidation and violence.’

The sentence for domestic abuse on the island is much tougher with a maximum sentence of up to 14 years compared with a maximum of five years in England and Wales.

The deemster sentenced Bridson to three years and 10 months in custody.

He also imposed an extended licence period of five years following his release from prison in order to protect the public.

In addition, Bridson was made subject to an indefinite Domestic Abuse Protection Order preventing him from approaching or contacting his former partner in any way.

If you suspect abuse you can report the matter to the Adult Protection Team at 685969.If you have an emergency after office hours and need to contact a social worker urgently call Noble's Hospital and ask for the on call social worker for adults at 650000. In the case of a child, ring Douglas Police Station at 631212. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.