A man who struck his former partner in the face with a phone charger during a row has been jailed for 14 months.

Leeds Crown Court heard today Christian Joseph St Hillaire had been out for the evening with Kelly Firth to his brother’s home when he began arguing with her about text messages she had been sending.

They continued the argument as they were walking away from the address and after punching her he produced the mobile phone charger and used it to whip her across the face and chest, Joanna Butler-Savage prosecuting told the court.

She screamed and called for help as one blow landed beneath her eye. A man walking his dog went to her aid and agreed to stay with her while she waited for the police.

The injury under her eye was bleeding and she later had five stitches and was referred to a plastic surgeon.

When seen by police St Hillaire said both had been drinking and showed officers a bite mark on his arm claiming his victim had bitten him during the incident.

Gillian Batts representing St Hillaire said reports indicated he had difficulties dealing with situations of conflict and arguments but since his remand in custody in September he had time to reflect and had expressed remorse in letters to the court.

He had also used his time in custody wisely to gain some qualifications.

St Hillaire, 23, of Fenay Lane, Almondbury , Huddersfield admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Jailing him Recorder Nigel Sangster QC said St Hillaire had a previous assault on another partner on his record for which he had been sentenced to eight weeks in custody.

“You should have learnt your lesson but you have again hit a lady. However it was caused, this was a nasty cut that needed stitches. You should never hit anybody let alone a woman, the mother of your child.”