A MAN who inflicted a series of assaults upon his vulnerable partner has been jailed for 15 months.

Over a period of several weeks earlier this year, Michael Peter Lambert pushed and punched her, as well as throwing an item of furniture which hit a wall before striking her, all the time aware she had mental health difficulties.

Durham Crown Court was told that after the last offence, a punch which bloodied the woman’s lip, on September 12, police were given details of other incidents in the preceding weeks.

Amrit Jandoo, prosecuting, said these included the throwing of a dog guard off a wall, which rebounded and struck the woman on the head, causing a lump, six days previously.

Mr Jandoo said the victim chose not to assist the prosecution, and the charges arose from what officers were told following the punch incident.

Liam O’Brien, mitigating, said he hoped the sentences passed would leave his client, who has been in custody for almost the last 12 weeks, with little time to serve.

But, Recorder Euan Duff said: “Here is a man who has demonstrated over the years that he resorts to violence.

“There are previous offences of violence and he knew perfectly well she has mental health difficulties.

“The victim is clearly vulnerable due to her personal circumstances.”

Mr O’Brien contended that the throwing of the dog guard could not be construed as using a weapon.

“It was the throwing of an item in anger which hit a wall and not the deliberate throwing of it at the complainant, striking her.

“A dog guard isn’t a weapon and wasn’t in his possession to cause injury.

“He picked it up and threw it in anger, so, is this not a case where there is a lack of pre-meditation?”

Mr O’Brien said although unpleasant, the injuries inflicted in the punching incident were not the most serious in such circumstances.

“He wasn’t planning this. There’s no excuse, he’s lost his temper and struck the complainant.

“But, he’s entered guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity and hasn’t tried to mess anyone around.”

Mr O’Brien added that while in custody the defendant has worked well and is now trusted as a peer mentor.

Recorder Duff told Lambert, whose address was given by the court as Holly Park, Brandon: “It’s perfectly clear from what I read about you that you have many positive qualities.

“But, it’s clear from your history, and from these four offences, that you certainly have a problem with loss of temper and using violence on others, on a regular basis.”