A MAN walked free from court after admitting a two month campaign of domestic abuse.

Pierce Darlow chased his girlfriend down the street with a baseball bat, threw her to the floor and stood over her brandishing it before dragging her along the ground.

The 26-year-old threatened to smash her car, shunting it out the way with his own and, chased her down in the car as she drove to Tilehurst station.

On another occasion he left her with a nose bleed after punching her in the face.

Mrs Lisa Goddard, prosecuting, said the victim no longer supported the charges.

"When she first made her complaint she detailed that she and Darlow had been in a relationship for about a year and the background had become a little tense," she said.

Darlow, of Romany Lane, works as a property manager for his parents, who own 35 homes across Reading.

Miss Flora Page, defending, said: "The victim has said this is not the usual case of 'I'm happy to take him back on any terms'.

"She is a lady that gave this a lot of thought. This is not taking him back on any terms. She is quite ready to call the police immediately if there's any sign of any return to this behaviour."

The father of two appeared from the cells after being arrested in April.

Judge Ian Grainger said: "This kind of violent domestic abuse is absolutely despicable. You made the life of this young woman a misery."

Darlow admitted one charge of putting a person in fear of violence by harassment at Reading Crown Court on May 16 this year.

Investigating officer detective constable Simon Easton, based at Newbury Police Station, said: "I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward.

"This has been a difficult time for her, but because of her bravery we have been able to convict Darlow.

"This case shows that victims of domestic abuse in the Thames Valley can have confidence that their complaints will be taken seriously, that they will be supported, and that where possible, we will seek to convict the perpetrators."

He was sentenced to 14 months in prison suspended for two years, so he could take part in a domestic violence rehabilitation programme, and a 35 day supervision order.

He was banned from driving of 12 months and ordered to pay a fine of £400 and a victim surcharge of £100.