A MAN fractured his girlfriend’s eye-socket when he threw a training shoe at her during an argument.

Aaron Rowley was at a party at his partner’s home when the row broke out last October.

The victim’s nose began to bleed after she was hit, and doctors discovered the extent of the injury when she was taken to hospital.

Rowley, of Erskine Road, Hartlepool, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, and was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for a year.

The 29-year-old was also ordered to pay £750 compensation and carry out 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

In a statement, the victim said: “I am still living in fear after what has happened and I am terrified Aaron might hurt me again. I want him to leave me alone."

Judge Howard Crowson told the unemployed cable-puller: “It has been accepted what took place here was an argument and you threw a training shoe, and caused an injury greater than you probably accepted.

“She continues to have some psychological impact as a result of what you did. This was a nasty injury.”

Martin Scarborough, mitigating, told the court: “He was struggling at the time with some alcohol and substance issues.

“There is no suggestion of any previous violence against either this lady or any other domestic violence."