A LEOMINSTER man smashed his way into a love rival’s home and attacked him – biting him on the chest and arm.

The woman at the heart of the love triangle tried to intervene as Graham Oliver ‘went berserk’ – headbutting and biting businessman Ian Medlock before threatening him with a knife, Gloucester crown court was told.

Oliver, 32, of Kenelm Court, admitted burgling Mr Medlock’s home in Birdlip, Gloucestershire, on December 29 and stealing a tin containing £930 cash.

A charge of assaulting Mr Medlock was not proceeded with after the prosecution said it was incorporated within the burglary charge.

Oliver, a dad-of-two who was in tears throughout the hearing, was jailed for three years.

Prosecutor Janine Wood told the court Mr Medlock had been in a relationship with Hannah Wells. It had ended but she was still living in his house at the time of the incident.

The court heard that on December 28, Ms Wells was in contact with Oliver on the phone but he shouted at her and she ended the call.

“There were then 13 missed calls from him and some threatening texts,” added Mrs Wood.

“She ignored them and went to sleep thinking he would leave her alone. But at 2.20am on December 29 he turned up at her home and threw items at the window to get her attention.

“She opened the window and he told her ‘I just want to speak to you. Everything will be OK.’ She was scared and threatened to call the police.

“He told her ‘You have three seconds to come down and speak to me, otherwise you will regret it.’ Hearing this, Mr Mewdlock rang the police.

“About 15 minutes later the defendant went to the front door and began kicking it. He then smashed the kitchen door and entered the house, leaving a trail of glass and blood.

"He was confronted by Mr Medlock. Oliver headbutted Mr Medlock, who got a nosebleed. Mr Medlock was also bitten very hard on the chest.

"Oliver then grabbed a knife and pointed it at Mr Medlock, demanding money from both people.

“He grabbed Ms Wells and took her to a cupboard where there was a tin with £930 in it.”

Joe Maloney, defending, said Oliver has written a letter expressing his regret.

“If he could rewind the clock he would but he cannot,” added Mr Maloney.

Jailing Oliver Judge Tabor told him “This was an absolutely terrifying ordeal for both your victims.”

As well as the three-year jail term, the judge made a 10 year restraining order barring Oliver from contacting Mr Medlock.