FOLLOWING a domestic dispute, Alexander Steele deliberately crashed his car three times into the front of the house where his wife and her three children were living. The house shook and structural damage was caused, a court heard. But Steele s wife, Juli

FOLLOWING a domestic dispute, Alexander Steele deliberately crashed his car three times into the front of the house where his wife and her three children were living.

The house shook and structural damage was caused, a court heard.

But Steele's wife, Julie, had written to the court in support of her husband, who has since been diagnosed with a personality disorder.

Steele, 35, pleaded guilty at Luton Crown Court on Friday to common assault to his wife and damaging property being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. He was jailed for 15 months. He had been living in Lonsdale Road, Stevenage while on bail.

Prosecutor Alexander Krikler said the events happened on April 24 at Dickens Boulevard, Stotfold where there was a domestic argument.

"He was upset and began throwing things around, then grabbed her by the wrist and pushed her face down on the bed," he added. "He said 'I could do with another stretch inside, I am going to smash the door in'.

"He left the house and she heard his car engine start and had the presence of mind to move the children to a back bedroom. Then she heard three loud crashes and felt the house shake."

The barrister said photographs showed the extent of the damage, but he could not say how much it had cost to repair.

He said Steele had previous convictions relating to violent episodes with previous partners and had been jailed in 2001.

Will Noble, defending, said: "He had not been psychiatrically assessed before but he has now been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder and treatment is the key in this case.

"He is going to need help and his wife wants to support him but they will not move back in together while he is having treatment.

"He now begins to understand why he has behaved in the way he has in the past and he is motivated to embrace the help."

Judge Richard Foster told Steele: "I have to punish you for your behaviour which was completely indefensible and intolerable.

"You drove your car at that house not once, not twice but three times and it is amazing there was no personal injury caused.

"Of course I take into account what your wife has said in her letter, but I have no alternative but to pass an immediate custodial sentence.