A possessive thug who put his girlfriend through a terrifying ordeal when he kept her prisoner, attacked her and threatened to kill her has been jailed indefinitely.

Clive Archer will have to serve a minimum of 20 months before the parole board can consider whether it is safe to release him.

The 45-year-old, of Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, had in 2008 been jailed for four years, with an extended licence period of five years, for wounding with intent.

He had been in a relationship with Jane Sargeant for about three months when he committed the latest offences, Maidstone Crown Court heard.
Guy Dilloway-Parry, prosecuting, said on May 16 this year the couple argued at Archer's flat and she attempted to leave.

But with his face "contorted in anger", he grabbed her in a bear hug, threw her on the bed and told her she would be kept hostage.

"He shouted that she was going to have sex with him as she owed it to him," said Mr Dilloway-Parry.

"She refused."

He then told her she had 10 seconds to tidy up his clothes or he would stab her and kill her.

Archer started to count down from 10 and then fetched a knife from the kitchen.

"She pleaded with him not to kill her," said the prosecutor.

"He walked over to her and placed the knife on the right side of her face. He ran the knife across her face, causing a cut."

He told Miss Sargeant she was going to perform a sex act on him. She went to the bathroom, saying she wanted to use the toilet.

But she had hidden a mobile phone under a mat and dialled 999, leaving the line open.

She managed to say "help", before Archer joined her and continued counting down. He ordered her to take off her clothes and demanded sex.

When she again refused, he punched her hard to the head, making her dizzy.

He told her: "At nine o'clock, you are going to die."

She was saved when the police arrived and Archer was arrested. She was treated for cuts and bruising.

Mr Dilloway-Parry said Archer, who admitted false imprisonment, threats to kill and actual bodily harm, had 28 convictions for 71 offences.