AN alcohol-fuelled attacker who threatened to slit his former partner’s throat during an armed siege in Boscombe has been locked up for six years.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how violence had flared after Thomas McKay, 48, flew into a jealous rage after discovering that he had a love rival.

Despite being banned from contacting Emma Coldwell, McKay got in touch and she visited his Aylesbury Road flat on the afternoon of January 15 this year.

Prosecuting, Anita Gibson-Lee said McKay had discovered Ms Coldwell was involved in another relationship.

When she arrived he repeatedly punched her in her face during “a sustained attack” and, when she tried to ring the police, he threw her mobile phone away.

She tried to make her escape through the front door but he dragged her back, kicking her in the chest.

McKay then punched his blood splattered victim again before biting off part of her ear.

Ms Gibson-Lee said: “There were extensive injuries all over her body, her ear was hanging off and a tooth was coming through under her lip.

“She suffered very nasty defensive cuts to her hands as she tried to stop him slashing her with a knife with a four-inch blade.”

The court heard how the prolonged assault had continued on McKay’s bed until he experienced “a light bulb moment” and allowed Ms Coldwell to call the police.

But concerned control room operators could overhear McKay threatening to kill Ms Coldwell and slit her throat.

When officers arrived they had to force their way into the property and attempted to negotiate with McKay.

Ms Gibson-Lee added: “In the end he let go of her and officers were able to pull her out from underneath him; at the same time he was tasered.”

In his defence the court was told that McKay, who pleaded guilty to wounding, with intent, and breaching a restraining order, was so drunk he could not remember anything about the incident.

Ms Coldwell spent four days in hospital where she was treated for multiple injuries to her face, ear, hands and back.

Judge John Harrow jailed McKay for six years.

He will be on licence for a further five years.