Jilted man turned to violence after his girlfriend left him for another woman

The case was heard at Teesside magistrates' Court.

Thomas Mitchell had what he thought was an ideal 14-year relationship with his partner, but he was devastated when she began seeing someone else, a court heard.

Mitchell assaulted both women after the new partner refused his request to leave his flat after a night out.

"All three had earlier been out together in Hartlepool," prosecutor Emma Cruickshank told Teesside Magistrates' Court.

"There had been comments during the evening," said Ms Cruickshank.

"All three returned to the flat, and after a time Mr Mitchell asked the new partner to leave.

"This caused an argument during which Mitchell grabbed her around the neck and pinned her face down on the sofa.

"She speaks of feeling impact on her back as if she was being punched.

"Mr Mitchell's former partner intervened, he grabbed her hair and pulled some out."

Mitchell, 34, of Spurn Walk, Hartlepool, admitted two charges of assault on June 6.

He was of previous good character.

Alison Banks, defending, said: "As ever there is two sides to this story.

"Mr Mitchell had what he thought was the ideal family relationship with this woman for 14 years, although the couple were not blessed with children.

"He was devastated when he learned she had started a relationship behind his back.

"At the time, he had nowhere to go and found himself in the spare room after his partner moved in her new partner.

"On this evening it all got too much for him and the red mist descended.

"He can remember very little of what happened, but accepts he acted wholly inappropriately.

"This was a crisis for Mr Mitchell, after he was arrested he attempted suicide."

Ms Banks said Mitchell is now living elsewhere.

"He accepts it's time to move on with his life," she added.

"Mr Mitchell has always done clerical work.

"He now hopes to take a college course and pursue a career in art and design."

Mitchell was given a community order of 18 months, 25 rehabilitation activity days, and he was ordered to pay £190 in fines, costs, and compensation.