A MAN who tried to smash his way into his terrified ex-partner's Newent flat with an axe has been jailed for 18 months.

Gloucester crown court heard that Nicholas Parker, of Winsley Road, Matson, Gloucester, went to Danielle Hambrey's home in Meek Road, Newent, on November 11, last year.

Prosecutor Julian Kesner told the court: "He had been in a relationship with her for about eight months from the beginning of 2015. In the last two to three months there had been domestic violence, jealousy, a desire to control her.

"In November last year the relationship was well over and there was no reason for him to go to her home at all but he sent her texts saying he was coming.

"She heard a car pull up outside her flat and then he was shouting outside the window. She got the impression he was drunk."

Mr Kesner added: "She was then aware of him coming through the communal front door and she looked through the peephole in her door and could see him there with an axe in his hand.

"He shouted 'I'm going to give you five seconds to open the door or I'm breaking in.' She didn't open it and he then started repeatedly striking the axe against the door.

"He moved away saying he was going to her father's house - but then he returned and continued to strike the door with the axe. She told him she was on the phone to the police and he then went back to his car. But after sitting in the car he came back for a third time and said 'this time I'm going to get in.' He again repeatedly struck at the door."

Looking at a picture of the damaged door the judge, Recorder Don Tait, said: "It looks as if there are at least a dozen strikes, maybe more. It was a sustained and concerted attempt by him to get in. There seems to be a footprint on the door as well, indicating he was kicking it."

Mr Kesner said "He failed to get in. He left and drove away but was stopped by the police and arrested."

In a statement, Ms Hambrey said she felt lucky that he did not get in and kill her. She was also fortunate that her eye was not damaged because he struck at the peephole while she was looking through it, she stated.

Parker admitted charges of affray, possession of a bladed article in public and criminal damage. The court heard he had seven previous convictions for offences including public disorder, criminal damage and driving with excess alcohol.

Giles Nelson, defending, said: "He has expressed his remorse and shame. He accepts this was extremely frightening for the complainant. His motivation that night was jealousy, frustration and anger and he completely lost his temper.

"He has a job in the refuse department in the Matson area and he works hard. He has a daughter he sees on a regular basis."

Recorder Tait, on Thursday February 2, told Parker: "You are a man who, particularly when in drink, tends to lose his temper. That is what happened on this night. Luckily the door witheld. Had it not, one wonders what might have happened. I would be failing in my public duty if I did not pass an immediate sentence of imprisonment."

The Recorder made a five year restraining order banning he defendant from contacting Ms Hambrey in any way.