A Rochester man who changed his name by deed poll to Elusive Matrix has been cleared of assaulting a former girlfriend.

Mr Matrix, 41, of Wykeham Street, had denied assault on Alison Dalton by beating on November 29 last year.

He also denied assault causing actual bodily harm to Miss Dalton’s friend, David O’Sullivan, on the same occasion.

On Friday Mr Matrix, who used to be known as Mark Naulis, was cleared of both charges by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court.

Prosecutor Andrew Norton said Mr Matrix had been in a relationship with Miss Dalton since October 2009, but it had ended as far as she was concerned by November last year.

They continued to live in the same house in Strood. During the afternoon of November 29, she went to meet Mr O’Sullivan in Chatham.

They returned to Miss Dalton’s home. Mr Matrix was out but returned later and it was alleged he began to kick the door. Miss Dalton let him in.

The court was told Mr Matrix started to shout abuse at her and pushed her forcefully against a wall in the hallway. Mr O’Sullivan tried to separate them and pushed Mr Matrix.

It was alleged that Mr Matrix retaliated by hitting Mr O’Sullivan with a piece of pottery or crockery on the side of the head. A tussle started on the floor.

“The defendant got Mr O’Sullivan on his back and twisted his fingers into his eyes – not very pleasant – all the time shouting at him,” said Mr Newton.

Miss Dalton telephoned the police and Mr Matrix left. Mr O’Sullivan went to Maidstone Hospital where he was treated for bruises and a cut to his left eye.

When arrested, Matrix claimed he and Miss Dalton were having an on-going sexual relationship. He said they had all been drinking and the argument started when Mr O’Sullivan told him to leave the house.

Mr Matrix claimed he was attacked first and hit out in self-defence.