A MAN has admitted controlling or coercive behaviour towards his “vulnerable” wife.

David Watson is said to have accessed mobile phone data and removed telephone lines to prevent 999 calls being made.

Watson, 36,of Conyers Way, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, is expected to appear at Teesside Crown Court again on April 5.

He pleaded guilty to carrying out the behaviour over a two year period, and that he put his wife in fear violence would be used against her.

Defence lawyer Alex Sabino submitted a basis of plea, which prosecutors will consider before he is sentenced.

Judge Howard Crowson told the father-of-two: "The basis of your guilt is yet to be established. If the prosecution decide it is an acceptable way for you to be sentenced, I can't imagine a judge would want to interfere with that."