A HUSBAND threw a brick through his estranged wife's bedroom window, injuring her leg.

Philip Coyle also sent Janine Coyle two text messages saying her house in Boyer Street, Derby, was on fire.

Derby Crown Court heard the two incidents in May meant Coyle, 33, was in breach of a court order telling him not to make contact with his wife.

He had previously thrown a kettle at his wife and grabbed her by the throat.

Sentencing him to 18 months' imprisonment, Judge Robert Brown said: "She (Mrs Coyle) is a victim of this man who has a very violent history.

"I know you have had your hands around her throat.

"I know you threw a kettle at her in 2008.

"I know you have breached the non-molestation order.

"The order was there to give this lady a break from you."

James Allen, prosecuting, told the court that Mrs Coyle was asleep at the time of the attack on May 21 but was woken by the sound of broken glass and banging on the door.

He said: "The banging and kicking continued, then she received a text message from the defendant saying 'your house is on fire, ha, ha'.

"She looked out the window and saw him pick up a brick.

"The brick came through the window and smacked her on the leg. She saw the defendant run off then she received another message (from him) saying 'your house is on fire'."

The same night police arrested Coyle, who had been drinking before the attack. The court heard that Coyle had been before the courts 24 times for 50 offences since 1994.

In 2008 he was convicted of assault on his wife but two weeks after his release from prison he threw a kettle at her which hit her on the back.

Martin Smith, for Coyle, said his client had now started divorce proceedings and during his time in prison had been studying for a cleaning certificate.

Mr Smith said: "He has used his time (in prison) admirably.

"He has had plenty of time to reflect on his position.

"He recognises that he needs help and treatment for his addiction to alcohol."

Judge Brown sentenced Coyle to 18 months' imprisonment for breaching the order, four months for criminal damage and four months for common assault, all to run concurrently.

When he is released, Coyle will also be on licence and have a restraining order for three years not to contact his wife.