Sunderland maths teacher broke into home of wife's new partner and tried to force his way into bedroom

Robert Wilkinson travelled almost 30 miles from his family home in Sunderland, to the other man's address in Morpeth, Northumberland, for a showdown in the early hours of May 11 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 38-year-old shouted "I'm going to kill him" and tried to force his way into the room where they had been sleeping, while appearing "very angry and upset".

Wilkinson, of Waterford Green, Sunderland, a maths teacher for over 13 years who is now a tutor and does seasonal exam board work, pleaded guilty to burglary.

Prosecutor Sam Faulks said Wilkinson had been married since around 2008 and when the relationship came to an end his wife started seeing a man living in Morpeth.

She was staying there with him when they were disturbed by a noise last May and Wilkinson was spotted outside before he entered the house then tried to get into the bedroom.

Mr Faulks said: "The defendant continued to attempt to force his way into the bedroom, he forced his hand between the door and the frame.

"He shouted 'I'm going to kill him' and 'she's my ***ing wife'.

"He continued to try to push into the bedroom."

The court heard Wilkinson struck the bedroom door several times, causing damage, before he eventually walked away and appeared to be carrying part of a pool cue.

Mr Faulks said Wilkinson asked his wife if she would come with him but she said no.

Mr Recorder Richard Stubbs said Wilkinson has never been in trouble before, has references to his positive character, has strong family support, contributes to the community and has expressed regret for what he did.

Wilkinson was sentenced to 16 months, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements and 120 hours unpaid work.

Graham O'Sullivan, defending, said Wilkinson acted "out of character" and has family commitments.