5:00pm Sunday 5th September 2010
By Wendy Barlow
A VIOLENT drug addict who terrorised his ex-girlfriend when he attacked her and took her prisoner in her own home, has been jailed for more than two years.
Darryl Hopkins, 36, could not accept his four-year relationship with Tasmin Ashworth was over.
Hopkins, who had previously subjected her to violence and mental torture, spat in her face and foamed at the mouth.
The 43-year-old victim had fled from his clutches into the streets in the early hours but he had caught up with her and pushed her back home.
Burnley Crown Court heard how Miss Ashworth, 43, had feared for her life as she had been told by the defendant: “It’s not going to be over until I say it’s over. I will say when it’s over.”
Hopkins, who had earlier been given a 16-week suspended jail term for assaulting the victim, added: “I will do my eight weeks and then I will be back.”
The defendant was said to have told Miss Ashworth he had paranoid schizophrenia last year, but the court was told reports from experts said he may have been misdiagnosed.
Hopkins, of Edgworth Grove, Burnley, admitted false imprison-ment, assault by beating, possessing cannabis and resisting police on March 7.
He was sent to prison for two years 14 days.
He was also given an indefinite restraining order, banning him from having contact with Miss Ashworth or going within 200 metres of her Burnley home.
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