A MAN who carried out a “repeat and sustained” attack on his now former partner is starting an 18-month prison sentence.

Durham Crown Court heard that John Young was angry that she had gone to visit a friend, on October 31, last year, and sent her a message saying: “F*** off, don’t come back.”

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said when she returned the next day Young began shouting as soon as she entered their home and he threw a flurry of punches.

When she went to the ground he stamped on her several times.

Mr Sabiston said she eventually took advantage of an opportunity to flee the house.

When questioned by police Young claimed his partner’s injuries arose when a door slammed on her and she fell.

Young, 41, of East Side Avenue, Bearpark, admitted assault causing actual bodily.

But it was on the basis that all he did was to throw a shoe back at his partner that she threw at him and the injuries were sustained accidentally.

It went to a trial of issue on December 22, at which Judge Ray Singh found against the defendant’s version of events.

Stephen Hamill, for Young said his client has mental health difficulties and his memory of the incident had diminished since the time of the offence, but claimed he is now, “entirely remorseful for his actions.”

Mr Hamill said Young has been in custody since November 22 and appealed to Judge Singh to show “clemency” and to give him one last chance.

But, Judge Singh told Young, “whatever the rights and wrongs” of their dispute, “it could never justify your actions on that day.”

Jailing him, the judge added: “It was a repeat and sustained attack, using your foot as a weapon.”

Judge Singh also put in place a restraining order prohibiting Young from approaching or contacting his ex-partner for five years.