A man who slapped and punched an ex-partner leaving her “black and blue” has been jailed for 14 months.

A judge heard how the terrified teenage daughter of the victim had cradled her mother, trying to protect her during the beating.

But when Gavin Pettit, 30, of Linkfield Road, Westgate, was arrested he lied to police and denied the assault.

He has now been ordered to stay away from his ex for the next five years.

Prosecutor Abigail Husbands told Canterbury Crown Court how in July last year Pettit, who has convictions for assaults on a pregnant former partner, had gone to his ex's home and attacked her.

Defence barrister Alex Rooke said that Pettit had admitted to drinking up to 50 pints in a weekend but had now cut back and goes to the gym.

Probation officer Linda Jeacock told the judge that Pettit had showed “very little victim empathy and had minimised his role” in the attacks.

"You subjected your former partner, who is a very small woman, to a sustained attack, slapping and punching her about the head, causing her significant bruising to her head, face, chest and arms..." - judge Heather Norton

“But he did admit slapping the victim twice, once with an open hand and the other with the backhand,” she said.

“When I interviewed him he was with his new partner who said he had turned his life around.

“She said he has not been drinking and he is doing personal training.“

But Judge Heather Norton told him: “I think that drink continues to be an issue for you.

“You subjected your former partner, who is a very small woman, to a sustained attack, slapping and punching her about the head, causing her significant bruising to her head, face, chest and arms.

“All this was done in front of her young child.

“The youngster managed to escape the house and dialled 999 and I have heard a recording of that call; she was clearly terrified.”

The judge added that Pettit was arrested but lied to police and denied the offence but was convicted of assault by jury.

Anyone suffering physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse or are being intimidated or threatened by a current or previous partner or adult family member is a victim of domestic abuse.

Remember, you are not to blame and help is available.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999.

To report a domestic abuse related crime, call police on 101.

You can also call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24/7 and free).

Support and advice is also available from Kent Domestic Abuse Services and the National Centre for Domestic Violence.