Controlling brute swung his girlfriend round a hotel room in Tenerife by her hair extensions

Steven Bulmer would call the woman an "ugly c***", spit at her, treat her like a "skivvy" and violently attack her.

Newcastle Crown Court the victim lived in "constant fear" and had made a "safety plan", which involved her staying out of the kitchen, where there were weapons at hand, during rows to try and prevent herself from being harmed.

Prosecutor Ian Cook told the court a friend said the victim would run around after Bulmer like a "skivvy", he would speak to her in a disrespectful manner and she seemed constantly "on edge".

The victim's mum, who had noticed marks on the victim's body and face, feared Bulmer would "one day kill her daughter".

When the woman found the courage to end the relationship, Bulmer made threats to kill her, damage her property and harm her family.

Mr Cook said one violent attack happened during a holiday in Tenerife and told the court: "They had an argument once back in the hotel room. He swung her around the room by her hair, pulling out her hair extensions and headbutted her nose.

"The commotion attracted the attention of hotel staff who came twice to check what was happening. Staff called the police."

The court heard officers attended and Bulmer was arrested but the victim did not make a statement at the time.

During a separate attack Bulmer punched the woman in the face and when he went to her home to collect belongings after they split he pulled her nightclothes tight around her neck and restricted her breathing with his hands.

Bulmer, 37, of Park Avenue, Sunderland, admitted controlling and coercive behaviour, two charges of assault and one of intentional strangulation.

He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis in relation to a package of the drug, worth up to £7,500, which was intercepted by border force officials on route from America to the UK in January 2023.

Judge Graham Robinson sentenced him to a total of 44 months behind bars.

The judge told Bulmer: "Such behaviour makes a misery of the lives of those subjected to such abuse. You are no respecter of the rights of women."

Helen Towers, defending, said Bulmer has used his time in prison on remand to better himself, is on a drug-free wing and has been completing courses.

Terrance Sarsfield, 49, of Mill Lane, Whitburn and Martin Glasper, 51, of Byron Terrace, Houghton, both admitted conspiracy to supply cannabis and prohibition on the importation of cannabis in relation to the same intercepted package and were given 18-month community orders with rehabilitation requirements and 200 hours unpaid work.

Prosecutors accepted the men played a role in the chain of organising the failed delivery of the package but were not in control of the operation.

The court heard the men have made progress in their lives since they were arrested and have had no further involvement in drugs.