THE former wife of Rodney Dale told yesterday how she feared one day he would kill someone, even her.

Georgina Waters, 21, of Darlington, said that she had been the victim of domestic violence at the hands of Dale throughout their four-year relationship.

She said: "He used to beat me up regularly, especially when he had been drinking. Sometimes he would lock all the doors from the inside and put the key in his pocket.

"Then he could really lay into me for as long as he wanted.

"Sometimes it went on for hours."

The couple separated and divorced last year. They have a four-year-old daughter.

Dale left Darlington and settled in Burton, because his brother lived in the Derby area.

Miss Waters said: "I always thought he might kill someone one day

"It didn't come as a shock when I heard about what happened in Burton. To be honest, I am just glad it wasn't me.