A 23-year-old Hitchin man who falsely imprisoned his ex-girlfriend in Baldock was jailed for six years on Monday.

Levi Simms contacted his former partner – who the Comet is not identifying – on July 27 last year and demanded that she returned some of his property which she still had.

She then gathered his belongings and took them to an address in The Tene, Baldock, where he had been staying.

When she arrived outside Simms came out and dragged her screaming into the property, St Albans Crown Court heard.

Once inside he then punched her repeatedly and, at one point, she said she was hit so hard that she hit a wall and lost consciousness for a time.

Later, he put a knife to her and made threats to stab her if she tried to leave.

Only the next morning was she allowed to leave and was said to be “extremely distressed” when returning to her parents’ home.

Police were called with officers visiting the address in Baldock, where Simms was arrested. The incident was then investigated by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist domestic abuse investigation and safeguarding unit.

In court, Simms – of Highover Way in Hitchin – was found guilty of false imprisonment, common assault and breach of a restraining order.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Barnaby Goding said: “Simms actions left his victim in fear of her life.

“He is a serial domestic abuser, having previously being convicted of battery on two other occasions against the same woman.

“He now has some time to consider the consequences of what he has done and the harm he has caused.

“I hope this sentence brings some comfort to his victim who has suffered a great deal of pain and trauma because of Simms.

“I would like to commend her for the bravery she has shown throughout the investigation and court case.”

Anyone affected by domestic abuse in Hertfordshire can be offered guidance and support via the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline 08 088 088 088 or by visiting the Herts Sunflower website www.HertsSunflower.org.

In an emergency situation, always call 999.