THE account of the abuse suffered by Sabir Khan’s partner makes for sickening reading.

The woman was treated as little more than a slave.

In a campaign of domestic violence tantamount to torture for six months, Khan repeatedly beat her and threatened her with a knife.

That she was pregnant during the abuse, and he continued to assault her just weeks after her baby was born, is even more despicable.

His sentence of just six years will provide little solace to her.

This is a man who the judge said showed no remorse for his actions towards his “adoring” lover. His actions were savage, deplorable and cruel.

But while six years seems a long time, it is just a fraction of the time it will take for his victim to get over the abuse she suffered, if she even ever can.

She will know that soon enough he will be out again and able to inflict pain and misery on another woman.

Not only does this do a disservice to her, but it strikes a blow against all those campaigning against domestic violence.

Only in the knowledge the perpetrators of these terrible crimes will go away for a long time will those on the receiving end feel confident in going to the police.

Our justice system must look again at guidelines and ensure the stiffest sentences are handed out to those who abuse their partners.