A thug brutally attacked his partner, kicking her in the stomach, ribs and back as she lay curled up on the floor, a court heard.

Afterwards, the victim told Gavin Smith to stay away from her but he responded by punching her in the face, causing a cut over her eyebrow.

Smith, of Alder Way, Swanley, wept after a plea for him to escape a prison sentence failed.

Jailing him for 16 months, a judge said: “This was a sustained attack. You used your shoes as a weapon.”

Maidstone Crown Court was told the couple were in a relationship for two years. After parting for a short while and then getting back together there were more and more arguments.

Prosecutor Keith Yardy said there was one such row at his partner’s Gravesend home on February 18 this year and she told him to calm down.

But he yanked off her Pandora necklace and pinched her cheek, leaving bruising.

There was another argument on March 3 after Smith, 27, had been drinking and took exception to the victim doing an Avon delivery during the day.

The victim put her young son to bed and then complained about Smith having the TV on too loud and smoking a joint.

“He threw her against the wall with some force,” said Mr Yardy.

“He grabbed her around the throat and pushed her against the window. He swung her around by her clothing, which tore.

“She fell to the ground and she was kicked in the stomach, ribs and back while in the foetal position trying to protect herself. She told him to stay away.

He responded by grabbing her by the throat and punching her to the face.

“When the police were called, he threw her into the kitchen where she struck her head, causing a cut.”

When arrested, Smith claimed it was self-defence.

He had a previous conviction for battery of a former partner.

Smith, who admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, assault by beating and criminal damage, was said to suffer from depression and anxiety.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC said there was evidence of psychological damage to the victim from the assaults.

“It is another case of double domestic violence,” he said. ”Such cases are treated with particular gravity. There is limited remorse.”

A restraining order banning Smith from contact with his partner was made for five years.