A VIOLENT flare-up spilled from a couple's home into the street amid a marriage breakdown, a court heard.

Stephen Maurice Martin still lived at the house in Sherburn Village, despite effectively having "separated" from his wife, Johanne Mary, Durham Crown Court was told.

Jennifer Haigh, prosecuting, said, Martin confronted her in the bedroom on returning home, after midnight on April 20.

She said: "He barged in and completely lost his temper, shouting at her, although she tried ignoring him."

Martin threw a cup of water over her and, although she tried to barricade him out, he forced the door open, flinging her across the room.

He pushed a cabinet over, emptied her bag, hurled her phone off a wall, and grabbed her round the neck, leaving her struggling for breath.

Using the excuse that she needed the toilet, she bolted for the front door, pursued by Martin.

He caught her, held her in a head-lock, and tried to drag her back to the house, while Mrs Martin said he thrust grass into her mouth, a claim he denied, said Miss Haigh.

But she added that Martin "came to his senses" and Mrs Martin ran, distressed, to her mother's home, suffering a bruised eye and arm.

Ron Mitchell, mitigating, said Martin has no previous convictions or cautions, and presented several "impressive" references to the court.

He said: "He accepts he lost his temper. He accepts he attacked her, but he does not accept all the details. This incident obviously stemmed from the aftermath of the final break-up of this marriage and the unfortunate consequences of them trying to live under the same roof, but apart."

Mr Mitchell added that Martin has now left the home.

Martin, 27, of Harrison Garth, Sherburn Village, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Recorder Martin Bethel said due to his previous good character, the fact it was "out of character", and Martin's early admissions, he could suspend the sentence.

He imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12-months, during which Martin will be subject to probation supervision.