A MAN who became jealous when his partner contacted her former boyfriend held two knives to his stomach in a desperate attempt to save their relationship, a court heard.

Ian Masters, 24, told the woman she had taken away his happiness by communicating with the man, before pinning her against a wall and stealing £220 from her kitchen worktop.

Teesside Crown Court heard unemployed Masters, of Raydale, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, also struck his partner’s already broken toe while they sat at home.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said: “He went right up to her face, grabbed her mobile phone, took the money and pinned her against the wall.

“He then picked up two further knives and held them to his stomach, with her shouting at him not to do it.”

Masters pleaded guilty to assault, theft and possessing a bladed article, but received support in court from his victim, who sent a note to Judge George Moorhouse praising his character.

Andrew Turton, mitigating, said: “The blade was never used as a threat to her and the parties have reconciled and are keen to move on.”

Judge Moorhouse sentenced Masters to a two-year community order and a domestic violence programme.

He said: “Your girlfriend spoke of you in glowing terms. You are lucky she still supports you.”