A 44-year-old man who attacked his partner and threatened to kill her has now admitted attempting to control her too.

Paulo Bridges of Lynn Close, Leigh Sinton, near Malvern had already admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and making threats to kill when he appeared over videolink at Worcester Crown Court on Friday.

The defendant, who appeared over videolink from HMP Hewell, admitted controlling and coercive behaviour between December 29, 2015 and August 4 this year which had a serious effect on her, causing her fear alarm or distress.

It was an offence he had denied at a hearing in September at the same court in front of a different judge.

We previously reported how the ABH took place on August 4 this year.

He had already admitted the threats to kill against the same woman when he appeared at an earlier hearing at Kidderminster Magistrates Court.

However, he denied a further charge of controlling and coercive behaviour alleged to have taken place against Sophie Slack between December 29, 2015 and August 4 this year.

Mark Sheward, defending, said Bridges did not accept 'each and every point his wife brings'.

"He accepts that, certainly towards the end and during the relationship, there was a degree of controlling and coercive behaviour" said Mr Sheward.

Judge James Burbidge QC said a pre-sentence report should be prepared by the probation service within the next 14 days but made no promise as to what the sentence would be.

"Custody is almost inevitable in one sense. I do understand the family putting constructive alternatives" said the judge.

He repeated to the defendant that the fact he was adjourning the case 'should not put in your mind that you will necessarily avoid immediate custody'.

In the meantime the judge remanded Bridges in custody. The next hearing date will take place at Worcester Crown Court on December 18.