A MAN has been jailed for a year for a frenzied attack in which he slammed a woman's head against the wall and then threw a plank of wood and a knife at a friend who went to her aid.

Dean Richardson flew into a rage at his ex-girlfriend, Samantha Waters, after bursting into her home, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and accusing her of making false allegations about him to the police.

Christopher Williams, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said 35-year-old Richardson banged her head against the wall about four times, before punching her about the body.

Ms Waters' friend, Martin Mitchell, told Richardson to leave, but he was attacked and thrown to the floor and punched in the head and ribs.

Richardson left, but returned with an 18in-long plank of wood, which he threw at Mr Mitchell, hitting him in the head.

He then threw a knife at him, which hit him in the side, but did not cause serious injury.

Mr Williams said Ms Waters suffered bruising to her left arm and a lump to her head.

Mr Mitchell was left with cuts to his forehead, cheek and chest, along with a swollen jaw and loose teeth.

Richardson, of Scott Place, Newton Aycliffe, an ex-welder and university student, was arrested following the incident, on February 4, and told police he had lost his temper.

He claimed he had disarmed Mr Mitchell of the knife and aimed it at the floor, not his body.

Richardson admitted causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Robin Turton, representing Richardson, said his client had a drink problem and was disgusted by his behaviour.

Jailing Richardson for 12 months, Judge Tony Briggs described the attack as a "terrifying episode".