A WOMAN who lost her memory because of a brain condition suffered continuous domestic violence at the hands of her alcoholic boyfriend, a court heard yesterday.

Matthew James Clark was warned he could be jailed after admitting assault at Darlington Magistrates' Court.

Jonathan Bambro, prosecuting, said Clark's partner had suffered a history of abuse.

Last summer, she was taken to hospital with encephalitis, a brain inflammation. As a result, she cannot remember anything before last summer.

Mr Bambro said: "It is really harrowing stuff to read."

On June 29, the couple had been out drinking, and when they returned to the woman's flat, they argued.

She slapped Clark, who then retaliated.

Mr Bambro said: "He grabbed hold of her neck and she could not breathe. She felt that she was been choked."

He punched her several times and she suffered bruising to her neck, arms and body. A neighbour, who was woken up by the argument, said there was a history of domestic violence and arguments between the pair.

The argument also happened only a day after Clark, 29, of Minors Crescent, Branksome, Darlington, had appeared in court for assault when he was bound over by magistrates.

Claire Brinton, mitigating, said: "Mr Clark has some problems and has indicated to me that he needs help. He has sought help himself, but I think more intensive work needs to be done with him.

"He has had contact with the complainant, who wants to resume the relationship and retract the matters.

"There is a problem with drink that causes his offending. He has not touched drink since this incident."

Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing, but warned Clark he could be sent to prison.

Chairman of the bench Leslie Abbott said: "This is so serious we have asked for custody steering. It is not inevitable, but it is an option."

He was given conditional bail to return to court on August 8.