A police officer attacked the mother of his children, causing this injury, after a row.

David Black, 38, who is with the Metropolitan Police, head-butted Rebecca Harris in front of their two young sons in August.

Black, of St Werburgh Crescent, Hoo, was arrested at his home soon after the attack and initially denied it when he first appeared in court last year.

He was originally charged with assault by beating and criminal damage, which related to him apparently burning Ms Harris’ clothes after the row.

However, during a later hearing, Black changed his plea to guilty on the assault offence and the criminal damage charge was dropped.

He appeared before magistrates in Medway for sentencing and was placed on an 18-month community order which will involve him addressing his domestic abuse issues.

Magistrates also placed a three-year restraining order on him banning him from having any contact with Ms Harris or going to her home.

Black, who is a PC in the Southwark area and works in the safer transport division, was placed on restricted duties after his arrest and faces a disciplinary hearing on April 3.

Michael Munn, prosecuting, said Black grabbed Ms Harris by the arms and when she fell to the floor he tried to kick her too.

Black said in interviews he can’t remember the incident and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after a motorcycle crash left him with lasting injuries.

Robert Morris, defending, added: "It is almost inevitable he will lost his job."

Black was also ordered to pay Ms Harris £550 in compensation and £150 court costs.

Chairman of the bench, David Graeme, told him: "You will be supervised for 18 months and you can work on the effects of domestic abuse etc, and there will be support for you."

Ms Harris said afterwards: "I’m satisfied with the outcome. Hopefully it will mean he won’t do it again, as I know I am not the first and this was not the first incident which happened to me.

"It is some sort of closure for me, I can move forward and from now there will be no more problems."