A MAN who subjected his girlfriend to months of abuse and threats has been locked up for two years.

Judge Leslie Spittle also placed a restraining order on Michael Walker, 34, and warned him he could be jailed for a further five years if he approaches his former partner after his release.

Teesside Crown Court was told yesterday how Walker, from Darlington, had an "addictive but abusive" relationship with the woman who was drawn back to him time and again, despite their problems.

Walker, of Locomotive Street, admitted a charge of putting a person in fear of violence by harassment.

Rod Hunt, prosecuting, said the charge covered three specific episodes of domestic violence, and spanned a period from last August to February 12 this year.

Over two days last summer, Walker assaulted the woman four times and made a threat to kill her.

On January 11, Walker made contact with his former partner despite being on police bail with a condition not to approach her, and on February 12 they spent the night in a hotel, but this time the meeting was initiated by the woman.

Walker, who has a long record of previous convictions for kidnapping, wounding, assault, causing grievous bodily harm and drunk and disorderly, has spent six months in custody and completed a series of courses.