A terrified woman was assaulted and locked in her own home by an angry partner who flew into a rage over Snapchat messages, a court was told.

Jack Murray, 23, of Middlegate, Great Clifton, was sent to prison for nine months at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday by a judge who ordered him to "grow up fast".

Murray had admitted charges of assault and false imprisonment following a series of incidents which occurred at his partner's Whitehaven home.

Paul Brookwell, prosecuting, set the scene for his criminal conduct.

Mr Brookwell said a row broke out late on June 5 while Murray and his partner were in bed.

"There was an argument because the defendant saw her phone with various messages on Snapchat - various messages to other males," said the prosecutor.

"He became jealous, thought she was having an affair and made various accusations, and said 'tell me who it is, I will kill him'."

The couple went to sleep but the argument resumed the following day around noon. Murray slammed his partner into a wall, grabbed her hair and took hold of her windpipe.

"Although matters calmed down he left her somewhat petrified," said Mr Brookwell.

More trouble flared at around 7pm. The victim believed Murray was becoming angry again and left the house. She knew he was electronically tagged and subject to a curfew.

But Mr Brookwell said: "He chased her. He dragged her up the street and dragged her into the house. He locked the door and put the key in his pocket so she couldn't get out.

"She was shouting out for help. This was heard by the neighbours. Fortunately the police had been called and attended at that moment."

Murray was arrested and, when quizzed by officers, denied both the assault and imprisonment.

Greg Hoare, defending gave mitigation for Murray, and said: "He has realised the problems he has got are purely and simply controlling his impulsive anger.

"He knows that on this occasion he was completely wrong to deal with the matter in the way that he did."

Mr Hoare insisted the pair were now on "cordial" terms, although there was no chance of the relationship being rekindled.

Judge Peter Davies, noting that Murray was subject to two court orders at the time for previous offences, said: "These are a series of offences by a 23-year-old man who should grow up, and grow up fast."

Judge Davies imposed a restraining order which prevents Murray from contacting the victim for 10 years.