AN abusive man who branded his partner a ‘slag’ and smashed his own Sky box in a fit of jealous rage has been given a five-year restraining order to stay away from her.

Andrew McKenzie launched his regular tirades of abuse as he attempted to control his partner’s life, a court heard.

The 35-year-old wrote a number of highly ‘embarrassing’ comments on his former partner’s social media posts as well as reacting furiously when he found her wearing ‘sexy clothing’.

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said the defendant’s erratic behaviour had a devastating impact her life.

He said McKenzie demanded that his victim closed all of her social media accounts and while he was working away he constantly phoned her to see where she was.

The court heard how on February 6 last year, McKenzie tried to go through her mobile telephone before throwing it out of a window.

Two days later, he posted a number of abusive messages on her social media accounts.

In a victim impact statement, she said she now felt like a 'shell of her former self' and was sometimes 'too embarrassed' to go outside.

McKenzie, of Premier Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment.

Paul Cleasby, in mitigation, said his client accepted there was no excuse for his behaviour.

He was sentenced to a two year community order.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054