A 35-year-old man who attacked his then partner in front of a two-year-old child in their Tywyn flat has been sent to prison for a year.

“This was a sustained, prolonged attack which involved a weapon - because that is what stamping is,” Judge Niclas Parry told Patrig Lovell of Castle Road, Builth Wells.

The attack on Rebecca Simpson happened in January in their flat in Tywyn.

Brett Williamson, prosecuting at Caernarfon Crown Court last Friday, said the couple had a turbulent four-and-a-half year relationship.

An argument started, Lovell became abusive and the victim fled to the bathroom.

He forced open the door and repeatedly stamped on her head with his foot, punching and kicking her.

She ran downstairs and neighbours gave first aid and raised the alarm.

Mr Williamson said Miss Simpson had bruises and swelling on her face and also hurt her legs and back.

The relationship was now at an end, the court heard, and there had been a previous incident in which he held her in a headlock in the street and two passers-by intervened.

Jade Tufail, defending Lovell, who pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, said after his previous conviction he had accepted counselling.

Dealing with the January attack she added: “He’s not clear even today what caused him to flip in that moment of madness.”

Lovell had heart and mental problems and was remorseful, did not blame others and was prepared to accept “any period the court believes he deserves” she said.

Judge Parry told Lovell he had failed to take the chance he was offered after his previous conviction. A five-year restraining order was imposed in which he must keep away from Rebecca Simpson.