Jealous man threatened to have ex killed by drug addicts, Leeds Crown Court told
and live on Freeview channel 276
Craig Michael Grundy burst into her home in Wakefield city centre and accused her of cheating on him, Leeds Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Bashir Ahmed told the court that Grundy, 32, had been in a relationship with the woman for 18 months.
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Hide AdMr Ahmed said for most of that time Grundy was described as being "pretty decent", but said: "However, after drinking alcohol he would become verbally and
physically aggressive towards her and turn into a monster."
The relationship ended on March 26 after his partner described his drinking as getting "totally out of hand".
Police had been called after several domestic disputes and Grundy had been convicted of battery against her last year.
Then on the morning of March 28 this year, while the victim was about to set off for work, she opened the front door and found Grundy was confronting her.
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Hide AdThe court heard he barged his way in with his hand around her neck and demanded to know who she was cheating on him with.
Mr Ahmed said Grundy told her: "There's no reason why I should not kill you. Killing you would solve my problems."
Mr Ahmed said Grundy then grabbed a phone from the terrified woman and threw it across the room and said: "If the police come I will be back, they can't keep me forever."
By this time her work colleague was worried and began calling the victim's mobile, only for Grundy to disconnect it each time.
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Hide AdHe then told her: "If I do not kill you, I will pay a smackhead near Lightwaves to do it."
As he calmed down, she was able to get her phone and quietly send a text to her colleague, asking her to phone 999.
When the police arrived, Grundy then began making homophobic remarks to an officer and kicked out as he turned aggressive and had to be restrained.
A victim impact statement was read out in which his former partner said that exacerbated her anxiety and depression, adding: "Nobody has made me feel as scared as Craig did.
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Hide Ad"To think he was capable of such malice, I find it upsetting.
"All it will take is for him to have a drink of alcohol and he will get back in touch with me."
Mitigating, Kate Bissett said that Grundy, of Dunbar Street, Wakefield, admitted that the relationship was over.
He admitted a charge of making threats to kill and assaulting a police officer.
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Hide AdAppearing before the court via video link from HMP Leeds, Grundy was handed a 17-month jail term by Judge Christopher Batty.
He was also given a restraining order to keep him away from the victim on his release.