Bristol man Robert Sorhaindo switched on a kettle during a prolonged attack on a woman and then threw the boiling water at her, a court heard.

The 40-year-old also threatened his victim with a knife, smashed her phone, locked her in and drove off in her car after she told him their relationship was over, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

Sorhaindo, of St Mark's Grove, who has previous convictions for violence, was declared a public danger by Judge Mark Horton.

He will serve two-and-a-half years in prison and spend an identical period on extended licence.

Julian Kesner, prosecuting, said Samantha Maslim, a single mother with two children, was attacked when she returned from a night shift on November 1 last year.

Sorhaindo was at her home, along with a four-year-old boy who Ms Maslim was planning to foster. An argument developed and Ms Maslim told the defendant their relationship was over.

"On being told that, he swept his arm over the kitchen table, smashing a tea cup," said Mr Kesner, who added that Sorhaindo was "frothing at the mouth".

Ms Maslim was cornered in the kitchen and pushed so that her head hit the fridge.

"He clicked the kettle on. When it was off, he picked up the kettle and shook the boiling water at her before throwing the kettle at her feet," said Mr Kesner.

The court heard Sorhaindo then picked up a kitchen knife and told Ms Maslim: "If you're going to finish with me, I'm going to stab you now."

He told her he was angry because his daughter was in intensive care in Leicester, so Ms Maslim offered to drive him there. But Sorhaindo said she wasn't going anywhere, locked the door and went upstairs.

Ms Maslim got hold of the key and Sorhaindo again threatened her with a knife, the court heard. He then took her car keys and left.

Ms Maslim suffered bruises and a burn in the attack, and is now afraid of hot water. She has left her job and is on medication.

"I feel mentally sick and angry that I let this man into my life," she told the court in a statement.

Sorhaindo admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, damaging a mobile phone, crockery and a kettle, and taking a car without consent.

Kaanan Siva, defending, said the root of the attack was rejection and Sorhaindo's inability to control his temper.

He said his client had demonstrated remorse by completing an anger management programme.

Passing sentence at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Horton said: "You showed yourself to be a violent, controlling bully – consistent with your record of convictions."