A man who smashed up his partner's flat in a fit of rage narrowly escaped a jail term.

Police called to Brendan Hayes' basement flat in Beaconsfield Villas, Brighton, arrived to see his partner Mark Craven, 25, hurl a TV through the front window, Lewes Crown Court.

The court heard yesterday the TV was followed by a shower of glass as cups and plates were flung out.

Craven was spotted brandishing a bread knife and a 2ft piece of wood.

The chaos continued for almost 30 minutes before Craven gave himself up at 11pm on November 13.

Michael Warren, prosecuting, said Craven had flown into a rage when Mr Hayes was late for a celebration dinner.

He said: "When police arrived they saw a large object being thrown out, smashing the window. It turned out to be a TV.

"With the falling glass and objects coming out the police were unable to go down the stairs.

"It seems to have gone on for the best part of half an hour before more police arrived. At that point the defendant came out and was arrested."

Marcus Fletcher, defending Craven, who admitted one charge of affray, said: "The defendant had finally found work after four or five years and that night they were going to celebrate with dinner.

"This all arose when Mr Hayes didn't turn up.

"He accepts it was unacceptable and apologises to the court."

Judge Rennie said: "This was a serious episode and would have been frightening for your partner and the police."

He gave Craven credit for his guilty plea and took into account the three months he had spent in custody since November.

He said: "This case is certainly serious enough to justify a custodial sentence but the time on remand is equivalent to a six-month sentence."

Craven was ordered to attend a domestic violence program.