A WOMAN who was subjected to a "catalogue of domestic abuse" has encouraged victims to speak out after her violent ex was put behind bars.

The Leader reported on Thursday how Alan Morris, of East Green in Sealand, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence.

The 40-year-old had previously admitted offences of controlling and coercive behaviour, stalking and possession of a bladed or pointed article.

During the hearing, it was said that Morris had abused his ex-partner Danielle Edwards in numerous ways over a period of years - including stamping on and kicking her, strangling her, threatening her and verbally abusing her.

He also stalked her when she ended the relationship and threatened to use an ice axe on anyone who went out with her.

Morris was jailed for 30 months.

Ms Edwards, who lives in Flintshire, attended the hearing with the support of her family.

She told the Leader afterwards that the sentence provided her with some degree of comfort, in particular the restraining order made by the Judge.

"It doesn't matter how long a sentence he got," she said, "the indefinite restraining order is the important thing.

"Now he has to think if he breaches it, he will be jailed.

"It was difficult to hear the details, and not nice for my family and friends because they didn't know everything - and there were so many incidents."

The Leader: Alan Morris (NWP)Alan Morris (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)Ms Edwards, 37, urged anyone who may be in an abusive relationship to reach out for help.

Describing her own experiences and how they impacted on her life, she explained: "There were little red flags from the beginning.

"My family didn't like him; He'd cause arguments, so I didn't see them.

"And he'd tell me to do things, like being places at certain times or he'd make a show.

"That was his way of controlling me, because I didn't want the embarrassment.

"He'd throw things at me, get angry and drag me about and threaten me. He is a vile monster.

"And then he sent the picture of the ice axe - I was really scared and I thought where's this going to end? I'm going to end up dead.

"When you go through things like this, it makes you want to hide it and not tell your family.

"But people really need to try and open up about this - don't hide how you're being treated for them (your partner).

"They aren't worth it - and you're worth so much more than that.

"If you realise you're cutting yourself off from your friends and family - or if you're cutting yourself off from society - that's a red flag and you need to think about why you're doing that.

"At the time you might think it's normal, but it's not.

"Speaking to someone about it was hard, but it does get easier.

"To anyone who is going through this; there is help out there. Reach out and speak to someone."