A MAN who committed a “callous” attack on an ex-partner will face spending years in custody if he breaches a restraining order aimed at protecting her from him.

Judge James Adkin was addressing Thomas Michael McLean, as he imposed a two-year prison sentence for unlawful wounding and breaching a non-molestation order.

He also made him subject of a lifetime restraining order prohibiting him from contacting or approaching his former partner.

The offences, last July and August, put him in breach of a suspended prison sentence for stalking the same woman, also imposed last year.

McLean, 39, of Greencroft Road, Consett admitted the charges, but denied 17 further offences, and was found not guilty after a trial.

The court heard as McLean has been in custody since August 25 last year, he will be released on licence shortly.

But the judge warned him any breach of the order would see him back behind bars for a long period.