A MAN was jailed for six months and slapped with an indefinite restraining order following repeated attacks on his former partner.

Grant David Gowling, of Grey Street, Darlington, was sentenced at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today (December 22) after refusing to consider taking a domestic violence course.

The court heard the 23-year-old twice assaulted his ex-partner Nicole Winter.

Sarah Traynor, prosecuting, said the defendant entered his former girlfriend's house without permission on November 29.

Gowling grabbed Ms Winter around the face, bit her nose and punched and kicked her repeatedly.

The victim's mother, Diane Winter, arrived but the defendant, whose daughter was in the house, continued the attack.

She and her partner were forced to escape through a window after being being prevented from leaving by Gowling, who went on to punch the her outside.

Gowling damaged Ms Winter's phone during the incident and threw the Christmas tree in a rage.

The court was told Gowling returned on Saturday (December 19) and found Ms Winter at her sister's house where he grabbed her from behind, pulled her to the ground and kicked her.

He handed himself into the police station where officers found a Kinder Surprise egg "up his behind", filled with Diazepam and cannabis.

After pleading guilty to all offences, Gowling was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison to run concurrently for each of the two assaults in November.

He was given three weeks to run concurrently for two counts of criminal damage and sentenced to three concurrent weeks for possession of class B and C drugs.

Gowling was given a further 14 consecutive weeks in jail for the assault this month and a restraining order was made against Diane and Nicole Winter.

He must pay compensation of £230 to Nicole Winter, £75 to Diane Winter and a £180 criminal court charge.