A man who threatened to stab himself to stop his partner leaving him after an abusive six-month relationship has been jailed.

Zoran Kojic, 34, who is homeless, controlled his partner for months at her home in Watford, as he stalked her, accused her of sleeping with other men, and belittled her in front of others.

Kojic met his former partner on social media in December 2017 and asked if she wanted to go for a drink. She agreed and they began talking more and more, and soon Kojic was staying at the woman’s home.

But the relationship turned sour quickly. Kojic became intense and began searching through his partner’s phone and making up rumours about her.

The victim lost touch with her friends and family and when she spoke out, she said Kojic would say “in our culture the man has power and the women is beneath him”.

As the relationship progressed, the victim became more and more frightened, even scared to leave her own home. When she tried to break free from Kojic, he would turn up to her home and threaten to harm himself.

On June 23 this year, Kojic and his partner argued before he held a knife to his own body. A friend who turned up to the house to help was attacked by Kojic.

It was then that the victim bravely called the police and Kojic was arrested and charged.

Kojic was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour, common assault and failing to comply with Sex Offenders’ Register notification requirements.

He was jailed for one year and ten months.

He was also given a ten-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which requires him to tell police if he stays with a woman longer than 12 hours.

Kojic was previously convicted of sexual assault in March 2017 against a different victim.

PC Barnaby Goding, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s domestic abuse investigation safeguarding unit, said: “I want to commend the victim in this case, who has been incredibly brave in reporting Kojic’s abuse so that he could be brought to justice.

“For those who are suffering from domestic abuse, I want to let you know that there is help and support available. Your report will be taken seriously and you will be listened to.”

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, you can visit www.hertssunflower.org for advice and support, or call the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08 088 088 088, which is open weekdays from 9am to 9pm and weekends from 9am to 4pm.