A FORMER soldier who was stabbed while serving on the frontline in Afghanistan has been jailed for punching his former partner in the face.

Jason Scott Maddocks spent five years in the Royal Fusiliers, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

But in November last year, after leaving the military, he assaulted his ex partner at her home in Blaenymaes, Swansea, knocking out two of her teeth.

District Judge Vivian Manning- Davies said the 22-year-old was to be commended for his service to his country — but said that the attack was so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

Maddocks, of Portmead Place in Blaenymaes, pleaded guilty to assault by beating when he appeared at Swansea Magistrates Court.

The court heard that after the former Fusilier went to his ex-partner's house in Caldey Place on November 29, 2011, a row broke out over the content of messages or texts on his phone.

He then hit his victim in the face, causing swelling, a cut lip, and damage to two front teeth.

In a victim impact statement, part of which was read out to court, his ex-partner said the assault had left her mentally and physically scarred, and afraid to go out of the house in case the two met once again.

She now has to wear a dental plate with two false font teeth.

Grayson Tanner, in mitigation, said Maddocks had been injured while in Afghanistan, being stabbed in the back "with a curved farming implement" while on foot patrol.

Maddocks then hit his assailant with the butt of his rifle before detaining him.

He had also been shot while in Afghanistan, but was uninjured thanks to his body armour.

Mr Tanner added that Maddocks had also seen an Army friend killed in action.

The solicitor said: "He lost a friend which had a knock-on effect and which caused him to leave the Army."

Maddocks was jailed for three months, and was given a two-year restraining order banning him from contact his ex, or going to her house.

Judge Manning-Davies said: "You have been as asset to this country, and I will publicly commend you for your service. You have been through a highly traumatic experience which will live with you for the rest of your life.

"Aggression in Afghanistan may be appropriate, but aggression to your partner is simply not acceptable.

"This is such a serious case that only immediate custody is appropriate."

During the same hearing Maddocks also pleaded not guilty to charges of driving with excess alcohol, and driving without insurance and a licence on December 7 last year. He will appear again before magistrates on May 27 for a trial on the driving allegations.

jason.evans@swwmedia.co.uk