A MAN who “flipped” while drinking vodka with friends is back behind bars for an unprovoked attack on a woman.

Durham Crown Court heard that Graham Smith was on licence following his release from a 54-month prison sentence for a previous serious assault, when the latest incident took place on December 16.

He was having a drink with a friend, when the woman, the partner of a former co-accused of Graham, called at his home with some Christmas wrapping paper.

Michael Bosomworth, prosecuting, said at first the mood was fine, as Smith showed his visitors his new puppy, but when the woman went to feed his older dog, he, “completely flipped”, smashing the vodka bottle.

Mr Bosomworth said Smith at first slapped and later punched the woman, but then took a knife to himself and cut his wrist.

He was given hospital treatment before being arrested.

The 26-year-old defendant, of Shelley Square, Easington Village, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Joanne Kidd, mitigating, said he is taking stepstrying to address his alcohol issues while in prison.

Jailing him for 20-months, Judge Christopher Prince also imposed a restraining order preventing Smith from contacting the woman, “until further order”.