A violent and controlling former boyfriend who subjected his partner to a horrifying assault has been jailed for nine and a half years.

Jamie Loveday, 27, kicked down the front door of his victim's home in Carlisle before smashing a beer bottle over her head, leaving her covered in blood.

He then continued his attack, repeatedly punching her.

Victim Sophie Cutting was left so terrified that she was seen by neighbours hanging out of an upstairs window.

At Carlisle Crown Court today, Loveday, from Brentfield Way, Penrith, was jailed by Recorder Andrew Nuttall.

The defendant had earlier pleaded guilty to causing Miss Cutting grievous bodily harm with intent to do so; to assaulting Miss Cutting's mother Nicola Robinson, causing her actual bodily harm; and to an offence of causing criminal damage to a car parked outside Miss Cutting's home.

He committed all the offences on March 8 this year in Carlisle.

As he jailed Loveday, Recorder Nuttall told him: "There is no doubt that you have shown yourself to have a nasty violent temper; and undoubtedly a controlling attitude."

Detective Constable Ian Chappell said after the sentence: "Tackling domestic violence is a priority for Cumbria Constabulary.

"It will not be tolerated and Cumbria Constabulary will support victims and witnesses."

Earlier the court was told that Miss Cutting had not supported the prosecution and still stood by her attacker - despite suffering such a violent assault.

The judge described what happened as an "utterly disgraceful incident."

The court heard also that Loveday had previous convictions for assaulting other partners in the past.

The defendant's defence lawyer Paul Tweddle told the court that his client had suffered considerable mental health problems, including a diagnosis of paranoid personality disorder.

Loveday's relationship with Miss Cutting had been volatile, he said. On the day of the offence, the defendant had been drinking and had taken Valium.

The judge imposed nine years for the wounding with intent offence; one month concurrent for the criminal damage; and six months consecutive for the assault causing actual bodily harm.

After the case, acting Detective Sergeant Rob Ewin, of North Cumbria CID, said: “Domestic violence is a priority for Cumbria Constabulary and we take a proactive and sensitive approach to investigating incidents which are reported to us.

“This incident was particularly distressing and violent and the sentence fits with the level of injuries sustained in a horrific and prolonged attack.

“We would like to thank those members of the public who supported the police in taking action to locate and arrest Mr Loveday.

“Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can feel reassured that all reports will be dealt with sensitively and professionally.”

Anyone who would like to report domestic abuse should call police on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

For more information on the support a victim of domestic abuse can receive please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Personal-Safety/Domestic-Abuse.aspx.