A 30-year-old Dover man poured bleach over his lover after a bust-up over a man staying at their home.

Duane Gray began shouting at her and calling her a “slut” before punching and then attacking her with a screwdriver.

As the mum-of-three walked down the street she felt liquid being poured down her neck, Canterbury Crown Court was told.

The judge, Recorder Stuart Trimmer QC heard that as the woman walked towards London Road she realised the liquid was bleach.

Harry Hewitt prosecuting, said the woman knew it was bleach because of "the odour, smell, discolouration to her clothes and irritation to her eyes".

The victim later told police she thought only one cupful had been used during the attack and the container was later thrown on the ground.

Mr Hewitt added that the woman turned round and saw her ex-lover standing there.

He said she returned to her home by which time her back was burning from the bleach.

Earlier Gray had punched her to her body and had used a screwdriver in a stabbing motion - but had only caused a glancing blow.

Mr Hewitt added that the thug had also bit her during the attack which happened in the home where her children were.

Gray, formerly of St Radigunds Road, Dover denied the assault in July causing actual bodily harm but was convicted by magistrates who committed him to the Crown Court for sentence.

Kerry Waitt, defending, said Gray still maintains his innocence but now accepts the relationship has finished.

Jailing him for 21 months, the judge told him: “You deliberately chose bleach intending causing your victim harm and you do not present yourself as remorseful.”

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Daniel Mead said: "This was a particularly violent, cowardly attack on a defenceless young woman in the presence of her children.

"This incident had a significant effect on the victim and I would like to commend her courage in coming forward."