Violent ex jailed after threatening to 'spark out' former girlfriend in threats to her sisters

A violent boyfriend who threatened to “spark out” his ex-partner in the face of a restraining order was given a prison term today.

Yet Christopher Dalziell’s time spent remanded in custody meant that the jail sentence ensured his release.

The 37-year-old already had 100 offences to his name and he had been violent towards his ex-partner, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The courts tried to protect her with non-molestation and restraining orders, which he breached.

He flouted an indefinite restraining order three times in October last year by approaching the woman’s sisters.

He told them “I’ll be catching up with her”, “I’m going to spark her out” and “tell her to phone me”, and asked about his ex’s whereabouts.

His previous convictions included thefts, burglaries and robberies, said prosecutor Liam O’Brien.

Dalziell, of Borough Road, central Middlesbrough, admitted three breaches of the restraining order, imposed in May 2012.

The victim told in a statement how she felt intimidated, harassed and scared at the thought of Dalziell seeing her.

This was “due to the level of violence she has been subjected to by him in the past”, added Mr O’Brien.

She said he was unpredictable and she relied on the courts to protect her and her sisters.

Andrew Turton, defending, said Dalziell did have a “chequered history” but had been trying to turn his life around and had learned “a significant lesson”.

Mr Turton added: “Christopher Dalziell has to understand that whilst the protective order is in place, he has to honour it and keep to it, and he hasn’t.

“He has harboured in his heart a desire for reconciliation with the complainant.

“He is now rapidly coming to the view that reconciliation is not going to happen.”

He said Dalziell realised domestic violence was a problem for him and wanted to take counselling and help for his “relationship difficulties”.

Dalziell had already spent three-and-a-half months - equal to a seven-month term - in custody.

The judge, Recorder Andrew Sutcliffe QC, jailed Dalziell for 26 weeks considering his history of violence and threats against the victim.

“However I take into account the fact that you’ve already spent more than that period in custody,” he added.

He said that meant Dalziell would serve no more time, but prison would be “inevitable” for any more breaches.