A MAN who smashed a car window and punched a woman in the face has been given a 12-month community order.

Ali Vajahid, of Bishton Street, Newport, appeared in Newport Crown Court following the incident on March 1 this year.

Prosecutor Jeremy Evans said the 21-year-old had been in a four-year "on and off relationship" with the victim and that it was in the "off phase" at the time of the assault.

The defendant attempted to speak to the woman in the morning but she "wasn't interested in having a conversation", the court heard.

Later in the day when the woman returned home, Vajahid was "waiting for her" leading to a confrontation.

Mr Evans added that he was "clearly reckless" pulling out the car window which smashed before "manhandling" the woman into her own home, shouting at her and assaulting her.

This included a punch to the left side of the face, before pushing her onto the sofa and slapping her, the court heard.

A victim personal statement said she was left in fear after the incident and had trouble sleeping.

Vajahid pleaded guilty to three charges including assault by beating, destroying property and failing to surrender to court.

The offence was also in breach of an eight-month sentence suspended for two years in 2015 for dangerous driving.

Byron Broadstock, defending, said his client didn't surrender to bail as he was in Pakistan receiving medical treatment but stressed he entered guilty pleas immediately when arrested on his return to the UK.

He added Vajahid made no attempt to contact the victim since March and that he "bitterly regretted" his actions which were out of character.

The court also heard that the defendant's "important role" as a carer for his mother should be taken into account.

Recorder Christopher Clee QC, sentencing, said while the assault caused no facial injuries, it had an impact on the victim.

"You waited for her outside a house, pulled down the driver's side window and pushed her into the house where you assaulted her," he said.

"She was afraid to leave her house and was afraid of what you might do next."

He sentenced Vajahid to a 12-month community order, 140 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to pay £205 costs, including compensation to the victim.

A restraining order was also imposed, banning the defendant from contacting the victim.