A WOMAN was so scared of her violent, threatening and controlling partner that she would leave windows open at their home in the hope that neighbours would hear his tirades and call the police, a court heard last week.

Droitwich resident Ian James terrified Jessica Aldridge, 25 and from Broadway, with threats, including one that he had lined up a dozen people to torture her and he would watch them do it, Gloucester Crown Court was told on Friday, November 11.

He once waved a kitchen knife at her, saying he would kill her - and on another occasion he put his arm around her neck and throttled her, said prosecutor Charlotte Evans.

James, 50 and formerly of Leamington rd, Broadway, Worcs, but now of Highfield Close, Droitwich, admitted putting Miss Aldridge in fear of violence and harassment.

He was sentenced by Judge Moira Macmillan to nine months in jail suspended for 18 months with a 12-month rehabilitation requirement and an alcohol treatment course.

He will also be monitored by GPS tag for six months at his new Droitwich home and Judge Macmillan imposed a seven-year restraining order banning him from contacting Ms Aldridge in any way.

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"Jessica Aldridge was in a relationship with you for six months," said the Judge to James.

"During that relationship you subjected her to threats of harm and torture.

"She says you were misusing drugs and alcohol and had poor mental health. You became more abusive, jealous and controlling over a period of time.

"You made threats that you were going to get people to the house to torture her. You threatened her with a knife. You put an arm around her throat as if to strangle her. You said you had acid that could be thrown in her face.  You put her in so much fear that she searched her home to try to find the acid.

"You once terrified her so much that she left her home and hid outside and she whispered to a passing neigbour to call the police.  She also left a window open at times so people could hear you.

"Even after you had been arrested by the police you continued to contact her.

"I'm sure you cannot begin to imagine the fear that you caused her."

The judge said that in considering the sentence she had taken into account a pre-sentence report and a letter written by James and also the fact that he had already served five months in custody on remand since his arrest.

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"I am concerned about the risk you pose to future partners but I consider that appropriate punishment can be imposed without immediate custody," she added.

The judge had been told that James had made sixteen previous court appearances for thirty offences including having an offensive weapon, discharging a noxious fluid, racially aggravated harassment and assault.

Lloyd Jenkins, defending, said James admitted that his behaviour towards Ms Aldridge had been 'mean and cowardly' and he had no excuses.

"He describes his offending as horrible and accepts he must face severe consequences," said Mr Jenkins.

"He accepts he has caused his then partner trauma and distress and he is ashamed."