A JUDGE told a defendant he behaved like a caveman when he dragged his partner along a road after a row about how they should get home from the pub.

Michael Russett caused injuries to the woman's stomach, right breast and arm during the incident in Barnard Castle.

He appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced after earlier admitting causing actual bodily harm to Kelly Williams, harassment and possession of cannabis.

Judge Roger Scott was shown character references that said Russett had turned his life around since the incident and described him as trustworthy and professional.

The judge said: "I don't suppose they would have written this if they had seen you dragging your partner like an old prehistoric man with a club in his hand through the snow to his cave.

"You are too ready with your fists and with violence towards women, but hopefully you will stop."

Russett, 30, of Thorngate Wynd, Barnard Castle, was given a two-year community rehabilitation order with a restraining order attached.

Charges of kidnapping Miss Williams, making threats to kill and false imprisonment were ordered to lie on file.

Rupert Dodsworth, prosecuting, said the couple had a volatile relationship and had separated on many occasions. They were not living in the same house at the time of the incident.

They had been out drinking from 2pm and left the pub at midnight, when Miss Williams wanted to get a taxi but Russett wanted to walk home.

Mr Dodswell said police were called after someone saw Russett drag Miss Williams by the wrists, but before they arrived he had taken her to his house and locked the door.

When police entered the house they found Miss Williams on the floor.