A man who condemned his partner to 22 years of sexual, physical and psychological torment has been jailed for 16 years.

Dean Martin Kelly, 39, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on February 3 having been found guilty at the same court on November 9.

During a 12-day trial, the court heard how Kelly, from Wandsworth, had raped, beaten, controlled and bullied his partner for decades before she was able to report the offences in April 2022.

On April 30, police received a 999 call from the victim who whispered "Police, police, please, please" before she abandoned the call.

Officers ascertained her location and attended her home address in Wandsworth, where Kelly had attacked her physically and sexually, and threatened her with two knives - scraping and poking her legs with them.

When police arrived at the door, Kelly told his partner he would kill her and said to their three children, aged between 10 and 21, to "Say goodbye to your mum, I'm going to kill her."

She said the abuse had worsened recently and said she was "terrified" of contacting the police because of his threats to kill her.

Extensive bruising covered her entire body. One hundred separate evidential photos were taken to record the abuse.

Kelly raped, sexually abused, beat and ritualistically humiliated her during their 22-year relationship, which began when she was 16.

He would routinely spit at her, rub food in her hair which she had cooked for him and also spit in her food and their children's food.

Kelly would beat her with his fists as well as use weapons, including a belt and wire from a set of headphones.

She has since said: "The evening I called 999 undoubtedly saved my life. Faced with two kitchen knives and being told I was going to be killed in front of our helpless children after I had been beaten and sexually assaulted that evening. I knew this man was dangerous and deadly serious about ending my life."

The victim added: "I am so grateful to all the efforts made by the Met police, they have listened, understood, stood by me and supported me through this horrendous ordeal when I doubted I would ever get out. 

"I urge all victims of domestic and sexual violence to please come forward.

"Call the police or talk to someone, please don't suffer in silence.

"There is so much help and support out there and action will be taken against your abuser.

"There is a way out and you don't have to suffer alone. Reaching out is the only way out. It's time to reclaim back your life. You owe it to yourself."

Detective inspector Simon Sherlock, from South West Command's public protection unit, said: "Kelly took complete control of his victim's life and rarely let her out. His campaign of abuse has not only affected her but also greatly impacted her children.

"His behaviour was completely irredeemable and will not be tolerated. I commend the victim-survivor for having the courage to come forward and encourage anyone in the same situation to seek help.

"My officers, PCs Lally Spoto and Tara Oram safeguarded and supported the victim-survivor and her family and importantly built a relationship with her to ensure the strongest possible evidence was presented to the court.

"If you have been a victim of domestic abuse, please report it, our officers will listen to you and what you say will be treated in confidence."

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or are worried about someone else please have the confidence to approach police or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you need urgent help and cannot talk, dial 999 and press 55 to let the operator know the call has not been made in error.