Violent thug tore through home renovation project and left ex-girlfriend needing stitches in £4,000 screwdriver rampage

A fitness enthusiast launched into a destructive rampage with a screwdriver during a home renovation project - which left his former girlfriend needing stitches.

Darren Clifton, 37, had been helping his ex-partner renovate apartments on Fountain Street on August 13 last year.

Manchester Crown Court heard how the pair decided to take a break and head down to a nearby pub at around 3pm.

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During the visit, Clifton suddenly became aggressive and abusive - forcing a member of staff to intervene and eventually kick him out of the venue.

Prosecutor David Toal told a hearing on Monday (February 21), that shortly after he was kicked out of The Shakespeare pub, a furious Clifton called his partner.

She then went to the flats they had been renovating to find him ripping radiators off the walls, damaging the microwave, and kicking and punching 20 to 30 holes in the plasterboard, causing up to £4,000 of damage.

When interviewed by police, Clifton, who was arrested from his home in Abbey Hills Road, Oldham, admitted he had begun to "lash out" with the screwdriver at some mattresses.

But, when his ex tried to grab him he refused to stop his spree of destruction, unintentionally stabbing her in the finger in the process, causing a severe gash that needed five stitches.

Mr Toal continued, telling the court Clifton then pushed his former partner to the ground, holding her down by the collarbone before the pair fell down the stairs and he kicked her at least twice whilst shouting 'watch this now' in her face.

Clifton then threatened to kill her, and himself, before climbing up onto a windowsill and threatening to jump.

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