A drug-addicted thug has been jailed after headbutting his girlfriend in the street in full view of others, including two young boys.

Mark Fletcher, 38, headbutted his partner of about six years, Emma Latty causing her to bleed from her nose and her lip.

Fletcher of Shipwrights Avenue, Chatham, was seen by a number of people arguing with Miss Latty at Twydall Green in Gillingham.

The couple were seen pushing and shoving each other and then Fletcher was seen grabbing hold of her clothing and headbutting her in the face.

The incident was witnessed by several people including two young boys aged 11 and 12.

Fletcher was later charged with common assault and pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier hearing and was sentenced at Medway Magistrates’ Court this week.

He was also sentenced over a shoplifting offence he had previously admitted to magistrates.

"There is no other suitable sentence as suspended sentences have been no deterrent before..." - Chairman Leslie Watson

The court heard how Fletcher had walked into the Pound World store in Chatham on another day and had picked up some Yorkie bars, Toberlone, Smarties, shaving foam and toothpaste valued at £6 and was spotted by security hiding them under his top.

He was detained and the items were recovered by shop staff.

Jeremy Betts, defending told the court his client was trying to get off drugs and was currently being weened off methadone.

He added: “He accepts what he has done and this is his first offence for violence.”

Magistrates decided to jail Fletcher for 90 days for both offences and ordered he pay £80 compensation to Miss Latty.

Leslie Watson, chairman of the bench, said: “There is no other suitable sentence as suspended sentences have been no deterrent before.”