A GWENT man banned from contacting his former partner repeatedly hit his ex-partner with a scaffolding pole, a court heard yesterday.

Jeffrey Goodwin, 45. of no fixed abode, but formerly of Cwmbran, pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon, breaching a restraining order and actual bodily harm against Sarah Hall.

Prosecutor David Thomas told Cardiff Crown Court the couple, who had been together for ten years, agreed to meet in February in woods near Thornhill shops area to discuss a family dispute.

The pair began arguing, with Goodwin blaming Ms Hall for the way it began.

The court heard Goodwin lost his temper, punching his former partner to the jaw and kicking her.

Ms Hall ended up on the floor and the defendant picked up a nearby 7ft scaffolding pole hitting her around three to five times with it.

The court was told Goodwin was subject to a restraining order for a different attack on Ms Hall and her sister in July 2010.

Defending, Ieuan Bennett said his client did not want to cause injure Ms Hall and just wanted to frighten her with the pole.

Mr Bennett said Goodwin has realised he needs to need a more law abiding life, and wants to engage in self-improvement, tackling his problems of drinking too much and losing his temper.

Sentencing Goodwin, judge Stephen Hopkins, QC, said it was fortunate the victim was not seriously injured in the attack.

Goodwin was jailed for two years and four months for ABH and 12 month-long concurrent sentences for having an offensive weapon and breaching a restraining order.

For the next five years, he will be subject to a fresh restraining order against Ms Hall, which prevents him from communicating with her.