Shane Bowen, formerly of Briton Ferry, Wales, would regularly assault his girlfriend by throttling or headbutting her, controlled her money and preventing her from seeing family and friends

A vile man who had kept his girlfriend locked in a cupboard has been jailed for his reign of terror on the woman.

Shane Bowen, formerly of Briton Ferry, Wales, would regularly assault his victim by throttling or headbutting her, controlled her money and prevented her from seeing family and friends.

When police visited the property they found the woman locked in a cupboard and in her witness statement she said she felt like a “slave”, Wales Online reports.

Swansea Crown Court heard the couple’s relationship started well, but deteriorated after six months when Bowen became coercive and violent.

Ian Wright, prosecuting, said the victim was not allowed a mobile phone, Bowen would withdraw her benefit money from the bank and make her ask for handouts and controlled her access to birth control.