Jealous Leeds dad threatened to throw acid in his partner's face after accusing her of affair with 'fictitious character'

A court heard Barry Metcalfe subjected the mother to violence, threats and vile verbal abuse as a result of hallucinations brought on by heavy drinking.

On one occasion he held a Stanley knife close to his long-term partner's eye and told her he would "love to rip her face off".

The abuse took place at the couple's home in Leeds in December last year and was witnessed by their children.

A judge described the offending as "humiliating and degrading".

Prosecutor Stephanie Hancock told Leeds Crown Court: "He was delusional about her having an affair with a fictitious character he had created in his mind, probably when in drink, called Mark."

Metcalfe's partner sent a text message to a neighbour on December 10 saying the defendant had threatened to throw acid in her face.

On a later occasion the couple argued about the affair allegation and the victim shook him and pleaded with him to stop.

They fell backwards onto the sofa and Metcalfe took out a Stanley knife, held it near her eye and said that he would love to 'rip her face off'.

The 48-year-old then punched her once in the face while holding a mobile phone.

The court was told Metcalfe was verbally abusive to her and made insulting comments about her appearance.

In the lead up to Christmas Day, the victim begged Metcalfe not to drink heavily so they could enjoy the festive period with their 15-year-old daughter and her older son.

On Christmas Eve, Metcalfe argued with the victim about how long she had spent food shopping.

On Boxing Day, the victim's son offered to pay for dinner as Metcalfe, who controls the domestic finances, refused to give them money.

The victim and her children walked around Leeds until 6pm and when they returned Metcalfe accused them of spending his money.

She called police when she went to Metcalfe's bedroom and saw he had an air gun.

He threatened to use it to shoot the victim and 'Mark'.

Metcalfe was arrested and made no comment in his police interview.

He has been in custody since being arrested.

The prosecutor said Metcalfe and the victim had been together for 17 years.

Miss Hancock said the woman felt humiliated by the affair allegation.

She said her health, career and friendships have suffered and she continued to feel isolated.

The court was also told that the victim no longer supported the prosecution against Metcalfe and she was not seeking a restraining order.

Metcalfe, of Poplar Gate, Bramley, pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour.

He has 19 previous convictions for 35 offences.

A probation service report indicated Metcalfe wants to return to living with his partner but still believes she is having an affair with 'Mark'.

Caroline Abraham, mitigating, said the defendant has had issues with drugs and alcohol in the past but is capable of abstinence.

She said he had returned to abusing alcohol following the death of his brother.

Metcalfe was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He must also complete a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement, a 33-day programme and a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Judge Penelope Belcher said: "This was plainly conduct intending to humiliate and degrade the victim.

"I find it immensely worrying, the history of this relationship.

"It seems inevitable that controlling behaviour will continue in the future.

"What is absolutely plain is that the only real way to protect anyone is for you to become abstinent in terms of alcohol and illicit drugs."