A MAN accused of being in an abusive relationship with his ex-girlfriend has told a jury he was the victim of 'numerous' assaults.

James Barr is currently on trial at Preston Crown Court charged with having allegedly engaged in controlling/coercive behaviour with the mother of his two children over a six-year period.

The 38-year-old, formerly of Askam-in-Furness, is said to have demeaned her and her family and controlled which family members she could see.

When opening the case to the jury earlier this week, prosecutor Megan Cox said Barr was ‘extremely jealous’ of the woman and that he made her ‘feel worthless’.

READ MORE: 'Extremely jealous’ man, 37, goes on trial accused of controlling ex-girlfriend

Defence barrister John Woodward cross-examined his client on November 19 based on the prosecution’s case and from the testimony of the complainant's evidence in court.

One of the lines of inquiry Mr Woodward questioned Barr over was on the abusive remarks he had allegedly made about the complainant’s weight.

Barr told the jury his ex-girlfriend was overweight but insisted it ‘was not something that stood in the way’ of him liking who she was.

“I never encouraged her to lose weight nor was I ever critical of it,” Barr told the court.

“I never commented to her about having surgery to reduce the size of her breasts or buttocks. That conversation never took place. I never said I liked skinnier girls.

“I think that was something that was an issue for her. It is not something that I would make her feel intentionally inferior about.”

READ MORE: Alleged victim gives evidence in controlling and coercive trial

Mr Woodward then questioned the defendant over why he believed there had been a downturn in their relationship.

In response, Barr replied: “I feel there was a change after the birth of our second child. Some of our responsibilities like washing up and keeping things tidy caught up with her.  

“Some of the arguments were based around putting our two children to bed at night. Sometimes they did not settle down for her and she relied on me.

“I was struggling with the responsibilities of being a parent. I felt really drained all of the time.”

Barr then accused his ex-girlfriend of assaulting him ‘on numerous occasions’ during their relationship.

“There was more friction when she started taking her ADHD medication,” he said.

“During that time, she assaulted me on numerous occasions.  She did things to intentionally wear me down.

“By the end of the relationship, her moods were erratic, and her aggression was really bad. A lot of the things she said to me were hurtful and unfair.

"I feel like she wanted to continue harming me. That was when she made these allegations.”

The defendant, now of Marine Drive, Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon, was asked by Mr Woodward if he had ever assaulted the complainant.

It comes after the woman accused Barr of strangulation, as well as ‘poking and pushing’ her when they moved to Millom.

“I have never strangled her on one occasion, or prodded or poked her on a number of occasions,” he insisted.

“I have never caused her any injuries.”

The trial continues.