JEALOUS Ian Brinkley threatened his partner with a loaded crossbow after attacking her in front of their children.

But a judge gave the 29-year-old truck driver a suspended prison sentence when he heard the behaviour was out of character and the victim wanted him back.

Simon Goodman, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court the couple had been in a relationship for six years, but had both accused each other of cheating. On July 28 they were arguing again about an incident where another man had made unwelcome advances.

“The defendant went to the loft where he had kept his crossbow,” Mr Goodman said. “He put it on the bed in front of her and produced homemade bolt, the projectile. He said to her that if he finds out she is cheating on him she is going to get it.”

When his victim asked why he was behaving that way he slapped her. He pinned her to the bed and repeatedly punched her in the face in front of the children. One of the youngsters said: “You’re a nasty daddy.”

He returned at 10pm, managed to open the locked front door and saw through to the kitchen, where the victim was with a friend.“He puts a bolt in to the crossbow and draws it back. Before he can do anything with it the friend runs across and slams the door shut,” said Mr Goodman.

When he was arrested and handcuffed later he broke free and smashed the officer to the head, leaving her concussed. ctual bodily harm, two common assaults and possessing an offensive weapon

Guy Wyatt, defending, said that there was no history of domestic violence

.

Judge Robert Pawson imposed a 16-month suspended jail sentence, 100 hours of unpaid work and compensation of £1,500 to the police officer.

He told Brinkley: “I am taking a chance with you.”