A YOUNG woman told a court how she was beaten up and locked in a cupboard by her boyfriend.

Fiona Grant had two black eyes, a swollen face, carpet burns on her back and cuts on her hands after she was attacked by Jussia Smith, 26, of Eastbourne Road, Darlington.

She was discovered cowering in a cupboard by a police officer after screaming was heard coming from Smith's house on June 8. Smith failed to attend Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday, but was found guilty of common assault in his absence.

A warrant has now been issued for his arrest.

Miss Grant, who is now separated from Smith, explained they were at his house with another couple, when Smith's mood changed and he starting hitting her in the face.

She said: "He just flipped. I could see in his eyes that he wasn't in a good mood.

"I can remember being punched in the face several times.

"I had swollen lips, three or four times their normal size and I can't describe the pain in my nose, I reached up to my nose and it was trickling with blood."

She told the court how she was assaulted on the stairs but when police arrived, Smith took her upstairs and ordered her to stay in the cupboard.

"I was scared to come out in case he kicked off again," said Miss Grant.

Smith went downstairs to speak to the police officers and told them Miss Grant had gone home in a taxi.

However, PC Leanne Thorns went upstairs where she heard a muffled noise and discovered Miss Grant in the cupboard.

After the attack Miss Grant lost weight, her confidence, and also her job as a receptionist, the court heard.

Giving evidence, PC Thorns, said: "I opened the cupboard door and saw Fiona Grant crying hysterically.

"She said, 'he's going to kill me, please help'."

PC Thorns said when Smith was arrested he laughed and told police, Miss Grant would never give evidence.

When questioned by police Smith denied the attack.

Returning a guilty verdict, chairman of the bench, Denness Garraway, said: "We have decided the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt."

Smith will be arrested without bail and will appear at court for sentencing.