A MAN branded a danger to women by a crown court judge launched a series of “sickening and despicable” attacks against his victim.

Daniel Shane Ayling pulled his ex-partner down a set of stairs by the ankles.

Just moments before, the 29-year-old of Lebanon Road, Southampton, had grabbed her by the hair and dragged her out of a flat, a court heard.

Prosecution barrister, Ellie Fargin, told how during another attack he kicked her repeatedly as she lay on the floor, leaving her bruised all down her body.

Ms Fargin said: “She tried to pull herself up, but he carried on kicking her.”

In one of the attacks, which took place in properties across Southampton, he “got on top of her, put his knees on her chest and squeezed her neck so she was struggling to breathe”, Ms Fargin added.

During a final episode, he stood outside the woman’s home and, according to Judge Christopher Parker QC, threatened her in the most disturbing way imaginable.

Ayling said: “I am going to blow your house up and your car. I will burn your face, so no one wants you.”

Appearing before Southampton Crown Court, he was charged with assault by beating, making threats to destroy or damage property and two counts of ABH.

He previously pleaded guilty to the offences which happened between September last year and January 8, 2021.

Defending, Berenice Mulvanny stressed how prisoners faced up to 23 hours in their cells at HMP Winchester.

She told how Ayling has issues with alcohol, substances and mental health.

However, Ms Mulvanny mentioned he had been working towards certificates while in prison on remand.

In a letter read out by his barrister, Ayling said: “I am truly sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused”.

During the hearing, Judge Parker said: “I have no doubt that he is a danger to women.”

He said the most serious aggravating features were his previous convictions against former partners including harassment, criminal damage and battery.

He scolded Ayling, calling him cowardly and telling him his behaviour was not “manly”.

He was jailed for 28 months.

After serving half of his sentence, he will be eligible for release on licence.