A MAN who could not cope with the breakdown of his relationship attacked his estranged partner after turning up at her home at night.

Philip Humphreys kicked his ex as she came down the stairs and grabbed her by the hair, Teesside Crown Court was told yesterday.

In a statement to police, the victim said Humphreys, 33, also lunged at her with a knife during the drama in her Middlesbrough home.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters told the court that the terrified woman was trying to call the police to alert them when she was attacked.

Humphreys, of Valley Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to assault by beating, and was given an 18-week prison sentence.

His lawyer, Andrew Teate, said he had been in custody since his arrest in late-September and would, therefore, be freed immediately.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, disagreed with a proposal for a conditional discharge, saying: "That would send out the wrong message."

He told Humphreys: "You treated her very badly. You were estranged and you could not accept that. She didn't want you there."