A MARYPORT woman whose violent boyfriend subjected her to a brutal and sustained assault was so badly injured she could have died, a judge has said.

The woman’s injuries - inflicted by 24-year-old Jon-Jay Thompson - included rib fractures, a collapsed lung, and bites to her nose, arm and finger, Carlisle Crown Court was told.

Thompson told the terrified woman: “I’m going to bite your nose off” and said that he would kill her.

Despite her serious injuries, when police arrested him, he was confident his victim would not make a complaint.

He told the officers they were wasting their time, adding: “Do you never argue with your bird?”

The ‘controlling’ thug, of Victoria Terrace, Maryport, admitted causing the woman grievous bodily harm. He was jailed for two years and ten months.

Sarah Johnston, prosecuting, said the defendant and his victim had been in a relationship for 10 months.

They were living in house also occupied by his mother and grandmother.

On February 18, they were together in his bedroom when he began arguing with her. “He repeatedly punched her and had his hands around her neck, saying ‘I’m going to kill you.’” said Miss Johnston.

“He also said he’d kill her.”

The assault continued until the woman passed out.

When she woke, she feared she would die, said Miss Johnston.

Brendan Burke, for Thompson, said the defendant had used his time positively in prison.

Passing sentence, Judge Michael Hayton QC told the defendant: “Had she not been treated by medical and clinical practitioners with skill and experience she would have died.

“That is just how serious the violence you carried out against her was. Her lung cavity would have continued to fill and she would have died.”

Thompson’s comments when arrested illuminated his “disturbing” attitude to relationships if he felt that arguing with his partner justified the level of violence the inflicted, said the judge.

His comments also showed the controlling nature of his relationship, said Judge Hayton.

The judge added: “You are fortunate you are not being dealt with for a more serious offence.”

Judge Hayton imposed an indefinite restraining order, banning Thompson from having any contact with his victim.

In her victim impact statement, the woman said it would take her a long time to feel that she could trust a man in a relationship after what happened.

She had been left suffering anxiety and panic attacks.

She also suffered residual pain - even when doing mundane tasks such as carrying shopping.

After the case, Detective Sarah Lee welcomed the jail sentence.

She said: “Thompson is a dangerous and violent offender who subjected his partner to a horrific attack.

“Domestic violence is a priority for Cumbria Constabulary and we take a proactive and sensitive approach to investigating incidents which are reported to us.

“Help is always available for victims of abuse.”

She encouraged anyone who feels they may be a victim or who has concerns for someone they know to contact police.

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

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.