AN attacker who tried to strangle his partner during a weekend of violence at the end of their relationship was jailed yesterday.

John Strother kicked Jeanne Chapman, gave her two black eyes using his fists and knocked her to the floor causing a cut to her head during two days last June.

Xanthia Craddock, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court that the couple had been living together for about a year when the incidents took place.

Miss Craddock said an argument broke out on Friday, June 10 last year. Strother punched his partner in her left eye, but apologised the next morning.

Another argument started in the evening when Strother hit her again, this time giving her a black right eye.

She added: "During the course of the evening, he threw her to the floor and kicked her to the body. He attempted to strangle her."

The court heard Ms Chapman fled the house and contacted the police.

Strother, 44, of Ada Street, South Shields, admitted harassment. His barrister, Christopher Prince, said the relationship was doomed due to the couple's excessive drinking.

The court heard Strother has a string of previous convictions for violence, including a common assault on another ex-partner.

Judge John Milford jailed Strother for two years and extended his licence period by two years after his release. He banned Strother from contacting Ms Chapman for four years.