A Hampshire man launched a campaign of violence against his girlfriend during their eight-month relationship, a court heard.

Benjamin Randall, who suffered from depression and drank heavily, was jailed for 15 months after a judge heard how he had repeatedly attacked mother of two Maria Miles at her home.

Prosecutor Siobhan Linsley told Southampton Crown Court how:

  • Randall punched Ms Miles so hard in the chest she was lifted off her feet and struck the side of a wooden cabinet.
  • Repeatedly pulled her around the house by her hair Pushed a kitchen knife into her left leg causing bleeding.
  • Burnt her legs and face with a cigarette end.
  • Smashed a hall mirror and held a piece of glass at her throat, threatening to kill her.
  • Frequently thrust his thumbs into her eyes.
  • Threatened to make her life hell if she broke up with him.

Ms Linsley said that on one occasion, Ms Miles fled to a friend’s house in the early hours, begging her to turn off the lights after Randall had dragged her around the house by her hair.

As she hid upstairs, Randall went to the property where the friend told police his behaviour was “terrifying” as he shouted abuse outside and delivered a martial-art style kick at a window.

After another incident police went to arrest him at his grandfather’s home, but he asked to use the upstairs toilet and escaped through a bathroom window. He was caught shortly afterwards.

Randall, 26, of Southampton Road, Hythe, admitted putting a person in fear of violence through harassment and escaping from lawful custody.

In mitigation, Elizabeth Acker told the court that Randall – who had 13 previous convictions – was ashamed, disgusted and remorseful.

Randall is now banned from contacting Ms Miles.