A "POSSESSIVE" lover who knocked his partner unconscious with a headbutt after she returned from a night out has been barred from contacting her.

Craig Mitchell, 35, assaulted Lauren Young at their home leading to Ms Young blacking out after she was hit in the face, Newport Crown Court heard.

He pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm

Mitchell, of Rupert Brook Drive, Newport, had become "possessive" after their relationship began to deteriorate, the court heard.

He had lifted her skirt to see if she wore any underwear after she returned home from a social evening with colleagues in the early hours of April 12, said Claire Pickthall, prosecuting.

The attack had left Ms Young empty, disgusted and ashamed, the court heard.

She said in an impact statement she could not believe he had taken things so far.

The court was told their relationship is now over.

Kevin Seal, for the defence, said his client fully accepted the offence passed the custody threshold.

But Newport Judge M Powell QC was not convinced society would be served by locking him up.

He imposed an eight month custodial sentence, suspended for two years.

He also imposed a restraining order, which will last indefinitely, to stop him from contacting Ms Young.

Judge Powell also ordered the defendant to pay £340 costs, a £100 surcharge and £500 compensation to his former partner.