A SOUTHAMPTON attacker issued a chilling threat to his victim, a court heard.

After a violent attack Paul James Johnson warned his victim: "If you grass me up to the old bill, I will kill you".

The woman had been getting ready for work when he threw a four-litre plastic flask at her back, a court heard.

The 31-year-old of Murray Close then punched her in the head.

He followed her around her flat kitchen and punched her three or four times before kicking her in the ribs.

Details of Johnson's attack were revealed during a hearing at Southampton Crown Court.

Prosecution barrister, Ed Warren told how Johnson bit the woman and then grabbed her by the hair.

He also struck her head approximately three times against the headboard of a bed.

At the end of the ordeal, Johnson who works for a plumbing firm, is said to have dropped a kitchen knife on her said "Just go and kill yourself".

Johnson was charged with grievous bodily harm to which he pleaded guilty.

He has a previous conviction for controlling and coercive behaviour and other convictions for battery.

In 2018 he was jailed for breaching a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting a former partner.

Defending, Unyime Davies told how her client has issues with cocaine and alcohol.

She said he had been "under the influence" at the time of the attack.

She argued that Johnson needed to be given a chance and opportunity to address his behaviour.

During sentencing, Mr Recorder Mathew Turner said that the offence had passed the custody threshold.

When deciding whether to suspend the sentence he mentioned that Johnson had breached previous court orders.

He was jailed for seven months.