Jealous Hartlepool dad threw ex-partner to the ground in rage over new boyfriend

Stephen Hart went looking for the woman, with whom he has a child, after hearing her tell her sister on the phone she was going to be picked up by her new boyfriend.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said: "It would appear the defendant overheard this. As a result he became angry, made threats and stormed out of the house.”

Hart, 29, first went to the victim’s best friend's house looking for her despite being told to leave.

After finding his ex was not there he smashed a window as he left.

The best friend rang the victim to warn her and almost as soon as she hung up, the victim heard her garden gate opening and saw the defendant.

Hart, who the court heard had drunk six pints, ran into the woman’s house shouting ‘where the **** is he?’ before grabbing hold of her.

Ms Masters said: “The defendant grabbed hold of her and continued to swear and make threats.”

The women managed to break free and ran out the house but Hart followed her and pushed her again.

"The victim was so scared by what had happened she went to stay at her parents for the night,” added Ms Masters.

Police arrested Hart, of St Cuthbert Street, Hartlepool, the day after the incident late on August 10 last year.

He admitted arguing with his ex-partner but denied being violent.

Hart, a roofer, pleaded guilty to affray and criminal damage of the window.

Stephen Constantine, mitigating, said: “He has rebuilt some bridges and is taking on a proactive role.

"He is somebody who is thinking positively as far as the future is concerned and has regrets for the past.”

Judge Deborah Sherwin said: “Anything where a man uses violence against a woman, who is by definition normally smaller and weaker than him, is a serious matter.”

But she said given Hart’s guilty pleas, remorse and caring responsibilities for his young child, the appropriate sentence was a two-year community order with 80 hours unpaid work.

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