A MAN was jailed for domestic violence yesterday after a court heard how his sustained attack on his partner of three years sent her fleeing to a neighbour for help.

Prosecuting, Miriam Rasoul told Harrogate magistrates how Stephen Garnett had grabbed Dawn Woodhouse by her hair and jaw during an argument at their home in Bilton.

When Ms Woodhouse tried to dial 999 on her mobile phone, Garnett, 27, pushed her on to a sofa and threw the phone across the room.

He then threw her out of their home. She ran to a neighbour's house to call the police.

Garnett pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage.

The court heard he was in breach of a community rehabilitation order imposed last August for assault on mother-of-three Ms Woodhouse and using racially aggravated threatening behaviour.

In mitigation, Richard Buchanan said Garnett, now of Mount Parade, Harrogate, and Ms Woodhouse had had a turbulent relationship which was fuelled by drink.

Mr Buchanan said Garnett accepted the relationship was finally over and intended to move to the Lake District.

He had sought help with his drinking from the Harrogate Alcohol and Drugs Agency.

Garnett was jailed for four months.