Sunderland pub burglar bit and punched partner for starting washing machine without a full load

James Trott, who had just suffered a bereavement, had warned his victim he felt like he would get locked up due to "anger" before he attacked.

Newcastle Crown Court heard during the violence Trott held the cover of a stanley knife, without the blade, against the victim's cheek and caused a small wound and "blood to pour down her face".

Prosecutor Omar Ahmad told the court Trott had started a relationship with the 42-year-old victim last September but it had started to "sour" by the end of the year.

On December 30 Trott was informed of the death of a family member.

Mr Ahmad said: "He told her 'I can feel i'm going to get locked up tonight because of the anger'.

"He was angry and took the anger out on her. He assaulted her after finding out she had put the washing machine on without a full load.

"He grabbed her and punched her to the head and arm, bit her, more that once, to the lip and shoulder.

"He brandished the covering of a stanley knife, without the blade. He pushed it against her face and caused a small wound and blood to pour down her face.

"She tried to defend herself, she clawed back at him and scratched him in an effort to get away."

Mr Ahmad said the woman ran to the town centre on foot and called for help from a payphone.

Trott, 42, of Marion Street, Sunderland, admitted unlawful wounding.

He also admitted burgling a Brewers Fayre pub in Sunderland on December 13, when he was one of three men who "ransacked" the bar, smashed arcade machines, stole charity boxes and took a bottle of alcohol.

And he pleaded guilty to attempted burglary at The Palm restaurant in the city around an hour later, where he was caught, with two others, in an enclosed outdoor area.

Judge Tim Gittins sentenced him to a total of 37 months behind bars with a ten year restraining order to protect the violence victim.

Judge Gittins said Trott had "predicted" the attack on the woman when he announced he felt he was going to get locked up and his reaction to the washing machine row was "unprovoked and extremely violent".

Jamie Adams, defending, said Trott has worked to become an enhanced prisoner while on remand and has a history of mental health difficulties.