A MAN has gone on trial accused of smashing into his former girlfriend's house and beating her with a spade.

Michael Wayne Sanderson says he was acting in self-defence when one of the young woman's friends attacked him during the late-night melee.

But a jury at Teesside Crown Court was told that letters written by Mr Sanderson to his former partner from his prison cell after his arrest amounted to a confession.

Mr Sanderson, 34, denies burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on Kelly Ross at her home in Hartlepool on May 15.

He has also pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Miss Ross on the same date.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, told the jury that Mr Sanderson, who was drunk, kicked his way in through the back door of the house in Avondale Gardens while Miss Ross was asleep.

It is said he smashed Miss Ross in the forehead with the spade and punched her in the jaw before tussling with Philip Keenan, who wrestled the weapon from him and fled the house.

Giving evidence via a television link yesterday, Miss Ross said that Mr Sanderson then locked her in the house and told her: "You're going nowhere."

It is alleged Mr Sanderson attacked her further after ordering her upstairs, pulling her by the hair and headbutting her.

The court was told how Mr Sanderson, of Stockton Road, Hartlepool, and Miss Ross had a five-month relationship from August 2003, and a son, Lewis, who is now 13 months old.

Mr Newcombe had earlier told the jury that Mr Sanderson effectively admitted his crimes when he wrote to his former partner while he was on remand.

One of the letters, sent 11 days after he was locked up, said: "Kelly, I am so very much in love with you. You are my princess, my darling, my soulmate.

"I cannot express how I feel over the trouble I have caused. You know I can be a decent person when I am not drinking. That's my downfall.

"I know I have messed up big time and I am sorry. Me and drink don't mix.

"My world fell apart that night. Losing you and Lewis is killing me. Totally killing me."

Mr Newcombe said: "He is admitting by these letters, and what he is saying in these letters, that he was drunk and messed up.

"Are these really confessions to being in the wrong that night, or fighting with Mr Keenan in self-defence? He has admitted he was drunk and out of control."

The trial continues.