A MAN who committed a “litany of offences” during a “tempestuous” relationship was jailed for his parting shot, a court heard.

Darren Lynn invited his partner to join him and another friend for drinks at his home on May 19, in breach of a restraining order.

Durham Crown Court was told they went to his home as he was on an electronically-monitored curfew and had to be at the address between 7pm and 7am, arising from a previous conviction.

Ian West, prosecuting, said at one stage he became argumentative, accusing her of sleeping with someone else and demanding she named her ex-boyfriend.

Lynn grabbed her hair and pulled her off the sofa while making abusive comments.

Mr West said the other man intervened and told Lynn’s partner to go to the bedroom, while he had words with him.

But Lynn made his way to the bedroom, where, despite being told to leave her alone, he grabbed her leg and bit the side of her foot.

She pulled free of his grip, telling Lynn she was going home and rang for a taxi.

Lynn insisted on going with her, despite it breaching his curfew restrictions.

After their friend was dropped off, they continued to row and Lynn’s partner asked the driver to go to Newton Aycliffe Police Station.

Lynn then told the driver to pull over in a lay-by and, as he got out of the taxi, he punched her in the face, causing bloodshed, and made off with her handbag.

Mr West said fearing he would take her bag she had taken the precaution of concealing her keys, bank card and phone in her clothing.

She was then driven to the police station, where she reported Lynn’s actions.

Mr West said Lynn remained at large for five weeks before ringing police, leading to his arrest, since when he has been in custody.

Lynn, 39, of Palm Road, West Cornforth, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

Victoria Lamballe, for Lynn, said he has, “an appalling record for domestic violence”, but added that there is no intention of seeking any further reconciliation.

Recorder Nicholas Lumley told Lynn: “Clearly she has been the victim of a litany of domestic abuse during the course of what has been, by any stretch, a tempestuous on/off relationship.”

Imposing a 12-month prison sentence he made Lynn subject to a restraining order forbidding him from contacting his ex-partner, “until further order”.