A MAN beat his ex-partner and threatened her with a knife, a court has heard.

Jodie Patrick Holden, who now lives in Filey, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting his partner of ten years, Helen Elcock, outside their former home in Cochrane Street, Selby.

Beverley Dawes, prosecuting, told the court Miss Elcock had been at their home on June 24, when Holden’s friend had arrived. Holden returned and was unable to open the front door, and began knocking and banging loudly while the couple’s children slept upstairs.

Upon entering the property, the court heard Holden became agressive with his friend, before punching Miss Elcock twice in the head, elbowing her, and pulling her by the hair before pushing her against a door. Holden left the scene after a neighbour was called by Miss Elcock, but he tried to get back in through a small window.

On a second occasion an argument broke out after Miss Elcock went for a walk, which led to him punching her in the jaw, causing her lip to burst open. The court heard Miss Elcock ran back to the house, followed by Holden, who picked up a knife from the kitchen and threatened her.

Holden also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, and guilty pleas to driving without insurance, obstructing an officer in execution of his duty and possession of cannabis, all entered at an earlier date to unrelated events, were also taken into account.

Magistrate Tony Hargreaves told Holden he faced a custodial sentence following a report by the probation service. He was released on conditional bail to appear for sentencing on December 6.