A WOMAN said her former partner made her his punchbag during their relationship.

Stephen Williams, aged 35, of Bryneithin Terrace, Morriston, admitted common assault when he appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court.

Lisa Jones, prosecuting said victim Hayley Grove was Williams's ex-partner, and the attack happened in Gorseinon following an evening out on June 6.

"Her relationship with the defendant lasted about five years up until April," said Mrs Jones.

She said on the night of the incident Williams assaulted Miss Grove by hitting her in the head after grabbing her by the hair and around the throat.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Miss Grove said only the first eight months of their relationship was happy.

"Since then I have been his punch bag," she stated.

Miss Grove said Williams was kicking her, pulling her hair and "strangling" her. "He has and still does make me feel like hating myself and worthless," she said.

She suffered bruising to areas including her right eye, cheekbone and forehead. After his arrest Williams told police he had been drinking in Swansea when he met Miss Grove in a pub, and they had a "slight argument" before going back to her address.

"He admitted kicking her to the top of the legs and the stomach area.

''He later admitted slapping her on the right hand side of her face," said Mrs Jones.

Andrew Evans, defending, said: "I can assure you he accepts his actions were unacceptable to say the least.

"Miss Grove paints a black picture of her relationship with Mr Williams. His new partner has had no difficulties as far as Mr Williams is concerned."

Williams was sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for two years with supervision and must undertake the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme. He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation, £250 costs and was given a two-year restraining order not to contact Miss Grove directly or indirectly.

julia.bosnyak@swwmedia.co.uk