A 23-year-old with a history of domestic violence has been jailed after subjecting his latest partner to “vicious” assaults over a two-month period.

Ipswich Star: Leroy Anckor was jailed for 20 weeks for domestic violenceLeroy Anckor was jailed for 20 weeks for domestic violence (Image: Archant)

Leroy Anckor, of Old Foundry Road, Ipswich, pleaded guilty when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich to four assaults on his girlfriend which began when they started dating in February. They continued until April.

Anckor was said to have punched and kicked his partner. At one stage he allegedly told her: “I’m going to kill you one day. I can picture myself doing it.”

Anckor had originally denied the assaults, but changed his plea to guilty when appearing via a video link from Norwich prison.

Describing Anckor’s offending, District Judge Celia Dawson said: “It was quite vicious and it was sustained over a long period of time.

“For a period of two months you assaulted her in this way.

“Because of your previous history of violence against a former partner I consider your offences are so serious only a custodial sentence can be imposed.”

The court had heard Anckor had previously been convicted on resisting a police constable and possession of drugs on January 31.

He had also received a three-month prison term in September 2015 for two counts of battery on a previous partner.

A probation officer told the court Anckor’s record showed a pattern of domestic abuse.

In a statement made by his latest victim she said: “I’m always in fear of Leroy and what he would do.”

The woman said Anckor regularly beat her up.

She added: “I’m scared if he does not get punished he might beat me up or stab me.”

Earlier in the hearing prosecutor Sandra Dyer said the woman and Anckor had known each other since last Summer and had begun a relationship in February.

The court heard the woman had said since February Anckor had physically hurt her regularly, approximately once every two weeks to begin with. However, she stated recently it was more often - on most days.

Anckor admitted the couple were friends, but denied she was his partner.

In addition to his jail term Anckor was given a 12-month restraining order and told to pay £200 compensation to the victim of his latest assaults.