A WOMAN feared for her life when her partner tried to run her over in a drunken rampage at a Dorset campsite, a court heard.

Benjamin Strange, aged 26, of Barton Field in Cambridge, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday for sentencing.

He was jailed after pleading guilty to the offences of affray, attempting to cause actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and criminal damage.

Prosecuting, Rob Welling told the court that on July 9 this year, Strange and his then-girlfriend, with some other friends, decided on a whim to come down to Dorset and stay at Donkey Down Campsite in Sutton Poyntz, Weymouth.

That night they all went into the town and had drinks, going to four or five different pubs, before coming back to the campsite at around 1am.

Strange's partner had decided to go to bed in their van earlier than him and fell asleep. However, she was later awoken by the defendant pulling her out of the van and accusing her of 'being a flirt' and leaving him.

The defendant then drove off, however his partner's phone was still in the vehicle. She went to retrieve her phone from him but when she did Strange started screaming at her, stomped on her phone and chased her whilst threatening her.

Mr Welling said that two ladies at the campsite heard the altercation and went to help the victim and were verbally abused themselves by Strange.

The defendant proceeded to then go back to the vehicle and drive at all three of the women, who scattered as they ran away.

Whilst driving after them the defendant drove through a fence and a tent and went into a nearby field. The court heard that he was seen in the car spinning his wheels and doing donuts on the grass.

The two women, in an attempt to help the victim, then locked her in a van which contained a bar and cafe.

Strange threatened to kill the women and proceeded to ram his vehicle at least four or five times, reversing and striking it very hard again and again. As a result the victim was knocked over and covered in broken glass.

Mr Welling said: "The complainant was absolutely terrified and thought she was going to die."

She suffered multiple injuries, needed stitches and spent the night in hospital.

A student nurse who was also at the campsite, saw the defendant driving into the bar and could hear screaming coming from inside of it. He opened the passenger door of Strange's vehicle to plead with him to stop. However, Strange reversed back, knocking him over.

The court heard that Strange then left the premises and drove to a hotel in Dorchester where he was subsequently arrested.

In a victim personal statement read out to court, Strange's ex partner said: "What happened to me is something I will never forget."

Mitigating, Philomena Murphy, told the court that at the time of the offending Strange was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.

She said that Strange was highly regarded by his friends and employers who provided references for him on his behalf, with one friend saying that the defendant was 'not a bad person, but made some bad choices'.

Ms Murphy said: "He does offer profound apologies to all involved, especially [his ex partner]."

She said Strange was now fully engaging with the substance misuse team in prison and was 'determined to try and change'.

Judge Robert Pawson praised the efforts of other campers at the site who attempted to help the victim.

He said: "Two women locked your then girlfriend in a bar to keep her safe.

"The behaviour of these two ladies was extremely courageous."

He added: "A student nurse endeavoured to stop you and bring you to your senses, you ignored his wise words and drove off causing him injury."

Strange was sentenced to a total of 27 months imprisonment and was given a 5-year driving ban. He must also pay a £228 victim surcharge.