A FATHER-OF-THREE who intimidated a councillor and broke her husband’s nose has been jailed for 18 months.

Karl Anthony Kelly denied intimidating Great Aycliffe town councillor Irene Hewitson and assaulting her husband Tony - but a jury convicted him of both offences in June.

Passing sentence at Durham Crown Court today (Friday, July 19), recorder Peter Makepeace said the 30-year-old had shown no remorse.

“Your aggression; your contempt for [Coun Hewitson]; the hatred you feel towards her and her partner; your viciousness towards them is evident,” he said.

During the three-day trial, Coun Hewitson described how Kelly of Clanny Road, Newton Aycliffe, threatened to smash her windows and shouted offensive comments on November 6 last year.

At the time, Coun Hewitson was assisting police with an investigation into an allegation of criminal damage against him.

The court heard how Kelly launched an unprovoked assault on her husband next day, punching him in the face and breaking his nose.

Kelly claimed his insults were directed at Coun Hewitson’s daughter and that he had punched Mr Hewitson in self defence.

His friend, Kelvin Welham, 30, of Silverdale Place, Newton Aycliffe, was jointly charged with assault but was cleared by the jury.

Both offences were set against the backdrop of a long-running dispute in Rowan Place, Newton Aycliffe, which was triggered when Kelly’s daughter was bitten by a dog.

The jury heard how several neighbours, including the Hewitsons and Kelly's mother, were drawn into the quarrel.

Today, Mr Makepeace said he had no doubt the assault on Mr Hewitson was pre-meditated and that Kelly’s actions had terrified Coun Hewitson.

Robert Mocherie, for Kelly, asked that any prison sentence be suspended, as the father-of three’s girlfriend was due to give birth imminently.

He described Kelly’s difficult childhood and emphasised his love for his children and his recent attempts to find work.

However, Mr Makepeace was unmoved and sentenced him to a total of 18 months in prison.

“I accept you had a difficult upbringing but I don’t see for one moment why these people should have to pay for that,” he added.

Kelly, who was jailed for three years for inflicting grievous bodily harm in 2005, was also ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge and was made subject to a five-year restraining order to protect the Hewitsons.