A MAN allegedly attacked his girlfriend as she drove down the motorway.

Paul Craig Fisher, 43, of Reed Street, Marsh, was said to have struck Lesley Stanger in the face as she drove on the M606 in Cleckheaton.

Kirklees magistrates were told that Fisher hit Ms Stanger twice in the face, forcing to her to stop on the hard shoulder.

Mr Abdul Shakoor, prosecuting, said Ms Stanger fled the car but Fisher followed and kicked out at her. She fell over and he allegedly attacked her on the ground.

Mr Shakoor said passing motorists called police and Fisher was arrested. He was charged with causing grievous bodily harm at 8.30pm on December 22.

Ms Stanger, of Bradford, was said to have suffered bruising to her nose, cheek and jaw and had suspected fractures to an eye socket and cheekbone.

Mr Peter Hampson, for Fisher, said his client suffered mental health problems and had not been taking his medication.

He applied for Fisher to be released on bail but magistrates refused and remanded him in custody.

They decided that the case should be dealt with at Leeds Crown Court. A preliminary hearing was set for January 24 when Fisher will appear by video link.

Shaven-headed Fisher, flanked in the dock by two security officers, reacted furiously when bail was refused and was taken down shouting and swearing.