Footage captures moment rapist who abused pregnant partner is arrested

Footage released by police has captured the moments a rapist who abused his ex-partner during her pregnancy and post-partum period was arrested.

Elliot Bulman, 22, was jailed for 15 years after subjecting his former partner Nicole to sexual, physical, emotional, psychological and financial abuse - in a "calculated campaign of isolation".

Bulman, from Manchester, was arrested after attacking Nicole in public - prompting her to flee and come forward to police.

She has since said if she had not left that day, she believes the consequences would have been fatal.

This article contains details of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The BBC Action Line has details of a range of advice and support for anyone affected by the issues raised.

Following his conviction, Bulman's arrest footage has been released - showing the moment he told officers he had mental health problems before asking what coercive and controlling behaviour was.

The footage shows Bulman opening the front door to Greater Manchester Police officers, before asking "am I being arrested?".

After being told to calm down, Bulman can be seen telling officers "no, because my mental health has gone".

He adds: "I need mental health help. My head's gone."

When Bulman is reminded of the allegation made against him for controlling and coercive behaviour, he can be heard asking "what does that mean?".

Bulman was convicted of rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by penetration.

He will serve a minimum of two-thirds of his 15 year sentence before being considered for parole and will be subject a further five years on licence.

He will also be subject to a restraining order to protect Nicole and her immediate family for a minimum of 20 years.

Following the conviction, Nicole spoke out about her experience to encourage others in her position to speak out.

She said: "I wholeheartedly believe that if I had not fled on that day, the consequences of remaining would have been fatal."

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