A MAN who assaulted the girlfriend he was forbidden to see has been jailed for two years.

James Ashley Gibb, 29, had been banned from having any contact with his partner of six years under a restraining order because he had been violent to her, Jessica Randell, prosecuting, said at York Crown Court.

He had previously breached the order and a civil non-molestation order both aimed at protecting her.

But nine days after he was released from a prison sentence for breaking the ban, he and she visited his York uncle together and Gibbs smoked cannabis.

"It altered his behaviour," said the barrister.

Gibb accused the woman of being unfaithful to him, grabbed her arm and pushed her to the floor.

Gibb, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assault and breaching the restraining order.

Judge Paul Worsley QC jailed him for two years. "You haven't yet learnt your lesson," he said. "When the courts impose an order you will obey it."

For Gibb, Philip Standfast said the woman had been willing to be with him. She had described him to police as "lovely" in the days running up to the assault and had thought things would be different between them.

But she had also said Gibb could be a controlling type of partner.

"He accepts he behaved aggressively and irrationally," said the defence barrister.

Gibb was now determined not to resume the relationship on his release from prison, as he realised it would lead to disaster.

In her witness statement, the partner said she was frightened of Gibb and had had no support since his latest release from jail.

Gibb has 151 previous convictions, including some for violence against his partner.

His last release from prison was on January 16, York Crown Court, and the assault was on January 27. The woman suffered minor injuries.