A WOMAN who kicked her partner down the stairs, breaking his arm in two places, has been jailed for six years.

Durham Crown Court heard Kerry Richardson, 33, had been suffering depression after her children were taken into care.

Two weeks before the incident, she elbowed her 39-year-old boyfriend in the face, causing bruising.

Richardson was jailed after pleading guilty to single charge of grievous bodily harm with intent at the home they shared on Grange Street, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on March 19.

The court heard he was walking away after making a comment about her children when she attacked him.

The man told the court she kicked him so hard from the top of the stairs, he did not touch any of the stairs and landed at the bottom.

He said: “She could have killed me with what she did. If I did not put my arm up I would have hit my head and could have had far more serious injuries.”

The court heard he underwent surgery on his arm and may require further operations in the New Year. He is unable to resume his work as a roofer, has himself suffered from anxiety and depression, and is in constant pain from his injuries.

The couple are no longer together but the man has said he does not wish Richardson any ill will.

He wanted her to accept responsibility for what she had done and get help for her mental health problems.

Mitigating, Stuart Graham said: “The offence was committed at an exceedingly traumatic and troubled time all stemming from the problem of losing her children. It was a split second in which she did not think. She is deeply sorry.”