A MUM who watched her adult daughter suffer physically and emotionally at the hands of an abusive partner; spending three weeks in hospital after he attacked her, feels he got away “scot-free”.

Luke Marshall, 24, of Bath Road in Warminster, escaped jail when he was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to assaulting 30-year-old Laurie Patruno when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court.

The abusive relationship had a profound impact on the whole family, says her mum Beverley Patruno, who is campaigning to make people more aware of the effects of domestic abuse.

In a real-life storyline which mirrors themes from Radio 4’s The Archers that has captured the nation recently, she feels her daughter did not tell her of the mental and physical abuse she was suffering, and was coerced into losing contact with her family.

“They hadn’t been together for long when she started to become distant,” said the mum-of-two, who also lives in Warminster.

“She gradually began to relinquish relationships with her family and friends. It was really sad to watch but she was always defensive of his actions.

“It has had a devastating effect on our family – it seems like he has been released without punishment, but my poor daughter has to struggle with it emotionally every day.”

On September 2, Marshall was ordered by the court to pay £1,000 in compensation to Miss Patruno and £100 to victim services, which Mrs Patruno thinks was that it is a small price to pay.

She added: “We thought that when he eventually pleaded guilty and the case was sent to Crown Court he would receive a lengthy sentence, but he barely got a slap on the wrists.

“It’s simply a complete and utter travesty that he did not receive a custodial sentence. It begs the question – what message does it send? I fear for other women, and men, in that horrible situation.”

Last year, “Coercive or controlling domestic abuse” became a crime punishable by up to five years in prison after Citizens Advice reported a steep rise in the number of victims seeking help.

A spokesman from Wiltshire Police said: “Domestic abuse or violence is a crime which often goes unreported because the victim feels trapped and alone.

“We are here for you and there are also other organisations who can offer you help and support. It is important for all victims to remember, it’s not your fault.

“If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, we would speak to you on the phone, call us on 101, or in person.

“If you are, or you think someone is in immediate danger call 999.”