A man who punched, kicked and bit his ex-partner, held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her has been jailed for 26 months.

Lance Colston, 31, of Clarendon Place, Dover, was told by Judge Adele Williams to take advantage of the help available for his drink, drug and relationship problems when he appeared before her at Canterbury Crown Court.

Colston had admitted three assaults on Becky Taylor and making threats to kill her between February and April this year.

Alex Rooke, prosecuting, said Colston started a relationship with Miss Taylor in January but within a short time had shown jealous and controlling behaviour.

In February he punched her and some weeks later he pushed her against a wall and bit her in the face.

Mr Rooke said the assaults were provoked by Colston’s jealousy at messages on social media.

"This was a sustained attack which began in public and carried on when you returned home, culminating in holding a knife to your ex-partner’s throat" - Judge Adele Williams

Early in April the couple went for a drink in Dover town centre.

Colston was drunk and started accusing Miss Taylor of seeing other men.

They left the pub and in Market Square Colston yanked Miss Taylor by the hair and began punching her, bruising her face and pulling out some of her hair extensions.

“This attack was the first of a few that evening,” Mr Rooke told the court.

“Colston said he’d kill Miss Taylor but when people in Market Square intervened he suggested they went to a friend’s house.

“When they left that house at about 4.30am he started beating her and dragging her down Clarendon Place.

"When they got home he repeatedly punched and kicked her and then got a large knife from the kitchen and put it to her throat.

“Miss Taylor said it was poking in her neck. Colston said he was going to kill her because she had ruined his life.”

Mr Rooke said the assault lasted for about an hour until Colston left. He also sent numerous threatening texts to Miss Taylor and her family.

Colston had four previous court appearances for 19 offences, including domestic violence and dishonesty.

Phil Rowley, defending, said Colston had problems with relationships and drink and drugs but was going to address this.

Judge Williams said: “This was a sustained attack which began in public and carried on when you returned home, culminating in holding a knife to your ex-partner’s throat.”

Colston was also given a five-year restraining order banning contact with Miss Taylor and several of her relatives.