A MAN who carried out an “horrendous” sustained attack on his partner, in the presence of their six-year-old daughter, was jailed for ten-and-a-half years.

David Wright, 34, “snapped” for no apparent reason after drinking heavily in the early hours of January 13, this year.

Durham Crown Court heard that the couple had been in an on/off relationship for almost ten years, during which Wright has convictions for assault and damage, both involving the same woman.

Barry Robson, prosecuting, said in the latest incident, she was awoken by Wright throwing lager over her and her daughter as they slept together in bed.

He then dragged her to the kitchen, punching and kicking her, before grabbing a knife and thrusting it in her direction.

Mr Robson said she stepped back to avoid the blow and it was her daughter who then disarmed her father.

The terrified mother and daughter sought sanctuary in the locked bathroom, as Wright banged on the door and shouted abuse.

But, when she emerged, he attacked her with a kitchen fork, striking her in the head, temple and arm, leaving scarring.

It was only when the injured woman managed to push him out of the property, that a concerned neighbour rang police.

Wright, 43, of Darcy Court, Hendon, Sunderland, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, but on the day of his scheduled trial also admitted attempted grievous bodily harm.

Kieran O’Neill, mitigating, said the defendant has little recollection of events due to the amount of alcohol consumed, but conceded he had a problem when drinking heavily.

Jailing him for the “horrendous” attack, Judge Christopher Prince passed a restraining order, prohibiting Wright from trying to contact or approach the woman, “until further order.”