A man described as “Jekyll and Hyde” has been sentenced to four years in jail for a vicious attack on his partner. 

James McCann, aged 30, from Moate, County Westmeath, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm in December 2020.

He threatened to kill the mother-of-one, grabbed her by the throat, sat on her, knocked out her teeth and cut her lip.

At the sentence hearing in Mullingar Circuit Court today, Judge Keenan Johnson said McCann’s alcohol problem made him a “Jekyll and Hyde”. 

He also said McCann treated probation officers “with disdain” when they attempted to engage with him. 

A report also noted McCann’s need to address his anger management. 

The court heard McCann was previously convicted of theft of alcohol. 

He was sentenced to four-and-a-half years, with the final six months suspended on the condition he does not reoffend.

McCann was also ordered to have no contact with the victim.