A JUDGE has told of domestic abuse reaching "epidemic levels" after hearing three cases in one court session which he said involved terrifying violence and intimidation.

One man was jailed for almost three years for holding two carving knives at his partner's throat and threatening to kill her; while two others were allowed to walk free.

Recorder Eric Elliott, QC, locked up Ryan Nichols for 33 months after hearing how the 22-year-old attacked his girlfriend in front of her terrified young son last month.

The Teesside Crown Court judge described him as "a violent drunk, who readily loses your temper" but said when he is sober "a responsible, decent man with ability".

Nichols, of Westbourne Street, Stockton, admitted charges of making a threat to kill, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, criminal damage and assaulting a police officer.

The court heard how he smashed ornaments before punching his partner, getting the knives and dragging her by the hair to the bathroom, where they were seen by the boy.

Mr Recorder Elliott said yesterday (May 15): "One wonders what effect that is going to have on him . . . he will no doubt have nightmares for a very long time to come."

In an impact statement, the woman said she was in fear for her life and terrified what might happen to her son, and will struggle to forget the ordeal in the early hours of April 12.

Julian Gaskin, mitigating, said: "He is thoroughly disgusted with himself. He is off the drink and has been on remand. He has had time to reflect and understands it was wholly inappropriate."

Mr Gaskin also defended Steven Galloway, 40, who assaulted his partner at their Middlesbrough home, then tried to run her off the road when she fled in a car.

Galloway was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with probation supervision and was ordered to go on a domestic abuse programme.

The judge said he was not locking him up for the "terrifying" ordeal because Galloway had been a decent, hardworking man until skin cancer and mental illness took its toll.

Mr Gaskin said the jobless driver was "ashamed and disgusted" with his behaviour, but said he "feels 100 per cent better now he is stabilised on his medication".

Galloway, who has returned to his former wife and children, and now lives in Bowness Close, Hartlepool, admitted dangerous driving, assault and affray.

Mr Recorder Elliott said: "The disturbing aspect of this case is that it's yet another case involving domestic violence . . . it is almost reaching epidemic levels."

Daniel Worthy, 34, was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to go on a Building Better Relationships course after he admitted harassment.

On two occasions, he went to his former partner's home - once waking her and threatening to assault her, and a week later when he threatened to kill her.

Martin Towers, mitigating, said Worthy, of Oliver Street, Middlesbrough, lost his job and had not seen his twin daughters since being remanded in custody in December.