A BLACKFIELD man narrowly avoided being sent to jail after attacking his former partner of 18 years.
Southampton Crown Court heard how Christopher White (45) of Dane Close pinned the victim to her bed and kneed her in the back as well as hitting her three to four times during the incident in February.
She was taken to Southampton General Hospital for her injuries, which included a bloodied nose and bruising to her back.
Prosecutor Christopher Pix said the attack, which took place in her own home was “persistent and nasty”.
White had flown in to a rage after hearing his former partner, whom he still shared a home with, talking to another man on the telephone.
mpu1
When arrested he admitted they had rowed but denied attacking her.
White later pleaded guilty to one count of causing actual bodily harm.
Defending, Khalid Missouri said his client, a father of four, said overhearing the conversation put an end to the hope he might reconcile with his partner.
He added: “It was a spontaneous reaction to a difficult situation.
“The hope that he would get back with long-term partner and the mother of his children vanished.”
Turning to an application by the prosecution for a restraining order he added: “The relationship is over – 18 years is a lot to throw away – but he recognises this and does not oppose the order.”
mpu2
Judge Forster KC imposed a 10 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
White must also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and complete a building better relationships programme.
Judge Forster told him: “It was down to chance the injuries were not worse.
“Your case is aggravated because of your previous convictions, some of which were against the same complainant.
“I take in to account what you say about wanting to change your situation. You are unlikely to be given this chance again – take the chance.”