A 33-YEAR-OLD man who is “adored by women” has been jailed for two years and nine months for assaulting a former partner and dangerous driving.

Malachi Halstead, of Newport, was jailed for one year and nine months for assault causing actual bodily harm and one year for dangerous driving at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday.

Halstead was convicted by a jury in November last year for dangerous driving on July 5 which saw him being chased by police along Cromwell Street, Keene Street, and Hammond Drive.

The court heard how cars had to stop as the DJ drove on the other side of the road in a bid to get away from police.

Halstead was also charged with assaulting former girlfriend Samantha Bowden at her home on July 12 last year. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

Prosecution Byron Broadstock told the court how Halstead kicked Miss Bowden between the legs during a disagreement.

Mr Broadstock told the court: “Miss Bowden said the pain was such like she had never felt before.”

She stayed in the Royal Gwent Hospital for two nights with swelling and bruising and was unable to sit or close her legs.

In mitigation, defence barrister David Leathley claimed Halford’s problem is that he is adored by women, comparing him to Michael Caine’s character, Alfie – a notorious ladies man.

Mr Leathley said: “I have spoken to Mr Halstead and a more congenial, sociable individual one could not hope to meet.

“His affability and likeability has made him an attractive man to women. Mr Halstead and his background is very much like Michael Caine’s Alfie.

“He was seeing a lot of women, he likes women and women like him. He conceded that fidelity is not his strongest quality."

He added: "He’s not a loathsome individual who can’t properly formulate relationships with women, he’s an affable gentleman adored by women and that’s his problem."

Judge Recorder Timothy Petts also disqualified Halstead from driving and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.