Sunderland thug broke his hand during ferocious attack on girlfriend that left her fearing he was 'going to kill her'

Conner Prenelle tried to bite his victim's nose off during the shocking attack that left her bruised and bleeding.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim "thought he was going to kill her" during the violence while the 27-year-old, who had been drinking, claims to have "no memory" of what he did.

Prosecutor Ian Cook told the court Prenelle had turned up at his victim's home on May 2 last year, at a time when their relationship was "going downhill".

Mr Cook said when Prenelle became argumentative his victim knew he was about to lash out so pleaded "please Conner, no".

But Mr Cook added: "The defendant punched the victim to the head twice. She curled up on the bed and describes the defendant standing over her, kicking and punching her all over her body.

"He grabbed her by the hair and bit her nose."

The court heard after the violence, Prenelle complained "I think I've broke my hand".

Mr Cook added: "He had broken a bone in his right hand which perhaps gives an indication of the severity of the assault."

The court heard the victim's face was swollen and bruised and she had bleeding wounds to both sides of her nose from being bitten.

Prenelle, of North Bridge Street, Sunderland, who has a record for violent offences, admitted assault.

Mr Recorder Jonathan Sandiford QC jailed him for 18 months and told him: "As you actually said when you came out of the house, you had broken your hand".

The judge added: "What was inexcusable was you got on top of her, pulled her head around and you bit her nose.

"I have seen a photograph and it has the appearance that you bit her nose literally trying to bite it off, with injuries to both sides of her nose.

"Not surprisingly, in my judgement, she thought you were going to kill her that day and she was very frightened.

"She rightly said she is not there to be your punch bag, nor is any woman."

Steven Reed, defending, said said Prenelle was "horrified" by his own behaviour and is ashamed of his actions.

Mr Reed added: "He has accepted the relationship is over."

Mr Reed said Prenelle was grieving the death of his mother and struggling with mental health problems which created the "perfect storm".

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.