A man who brutally attacked and kidnapped his ex-girlfriend has been jailed for seven years.

Ali Kolliari, 53, of Thurlow Gardens, Ilford, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court today (Thursday) after dragging his ex-girlfriend into his car and driving her around for hours while assaulting her.

Kolliari was found guilty of kidnap, actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice, after a five-day trial in April.

The court heard on July 10 2010, the 34-year-old victim was at home when Kolliari entered her home in Ilford.

Kolliari beat her and dragged her into his car, before driving her around and assaulting her further.

After a few hours he stopped his vehicle and stepped out to get a drink, at which point the victim escaped and reported the incident to police.

She suffered heavy bruising to her face, upper body and a bite mark on her upper left arm.

Kolliari was arrested and charged with kidnap and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court on August 25 2010.

The case was listed for trial in March 2011 but the victim refused to give evidence.

But with the case on the verge of being discontinued, officers discovered that Kolliari had been sending messages to the victim, telling her not to give evidence.

During his trial Kolliari absconded from court and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The trial was dismissed until he was finally arrested in July 2014 in Bedfordshire.

He was further charged with perverting the course of justice.

The second trial, which took place in November 2014, resulted in a hung jury. The re-trial started April 21.

Kolliaria was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for kidnap and two years’ imprisonment for perverting the course of justice, to run consecutively.

He was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for actual bodily harm, to run concurrently.

Det Sgt Arif Siddiq, of Redbridge Borough, said: “The victim, who was put under great strain, had to testify against Kolliari in court on three separate occasions. His sentence should send a clear message that no one is above the law.

“The dedication and professionalism of the officers to continue the safeguarding of the victim, and convincing and reassuring her to maintain her support for the case is commendable.

“I would also like to commend the bravery of the victim in going to court three times and also living with the knowledge that Kolliari was at large for three years.”