A WOMAN who sought refuge from a violent partner suffered threats from a drunken fellow resident in support accommodation.

Donna Marie Foxton and the victim shared a flat in the complex for vulnerable women, in Durham, although they had separate rooms.

Durham Crown Court heard that although they agreed they would “keep themselves to themselves”, problems arose as Foxton started coming back in an increasingly drunken condition, repeatedly banging on the other women’s door.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said when the ‘flat-mate’ refused to respond, Foxton shouted abusively, kicked the door and indulged in repeated name calling.

Miss Lamballe said the other woman just wanted to be left alone, and, after staff were informed, Foxton apologised for her actions.

But, subsequently, Foxton again came in drunk and kicked the other woman’s door, shouting: “If you don’t get out her I’ll f***ing kill you.”

Such was her fear that the threat would be carried out that she barricaded the door with a chest of drawers to prevent Foxton gaining access.

Miss Lamballe said the conduct culminated on September 19/20, when a support worker reported seeing the defendant coming in, “extremely drunk”.

On entering the flat she again told the other woman she “better get out”, and glass was heard smashing as Foxton shouted aggressively.

Police were summoned and a member of staff told officers Foxton’s behaviour could be unpredictable, and she was particularly agitated and aggressive that night.

When arrested, Foxton initially claimed she had been attacked by the other woman.

The victim said no-one had the right to threaten her in the way Foxton had, “drunk or not”, adding that she had, “been through domestic violence in the past.”

Foxton, 34, described as “of no fixed abode”, admitted making threats to kill and putting the other woman through a course of harassment.

The court heard her lengthy list of previous convictions includes offences for violence, threats and drunkenness.

Jessica Slaughter, mitigating, said Foxton has endured, “a difficult background, with, several issues dating from her childhood.”

But she added that the defendant is now, “keen to seek help”, with support extending beyond her release from custody.

Jailing her for 16 months, Judge Christopher Prince said there was always the issue of “public protection” to consider in such cases.

“You do appear to have had a complex and difficult background, and you appear to have responded by drinking a great deal, being violent and aggressive to other people.

“You’re now 34. At some point you have to break the cycle, otherwise, you will be constantly going back to prison.”

He issued a restraining order preventing Foxton approaching or trying to contact the other woman, “indefinitely”.