A WOMAN was left covered in blood in what was described as a 'horrific attack' by her partner.

Robert Baker, of Spring Close, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court for sentencing on Monday after being convicted in July of an offence that he committed two years ago.

The 42-year-old caused actual bodily harm to a woman in Swindon on November 20, 2022.

Tom Power, prosecuting, described the circumstances of the assault: "The police were called after the defendant entered [the victim's] property upon invitation and assaulted her.

"He was there for 30 minutes before the incident. They had both been drinking.

"She was bleeding from the head and covered in blood, with a significant cut above her left eyebrow. She had been thrown against a wall.

"There was blood in the hallway, living room, and dining room. The victim said he had accused her of ignoring him all day and then assaulted her.

"The victim does not want him to be sent to prison. She says he is only like this when he has had a drink, and when he's sober he is kind and loving."

Court proceedings have taken so long that the defendant has completed a Building Better Relationships course.

The couple had lived in Swindon, then Baker’s former partner moved to Weymouth, he moved there to be with her, the incident occurred, and he later moved back to Swindon and has not contacted her since the attack.

Emma Hillier, defending, explained that her client had struggled with alcoholism for most of his life having started drinking at 11 years of age.

She added: "There is an entrenched pattern of alcohol-related offending that he wants to address."

His previous convictions include battery and theft, as well as outraging public decency on a train in 2019 and causing actual bodily harm to his sister in 2013.

District Judge Emma Dickens described the attack as a "horrifically serious incident", adding: "[the victim] could have sustained very serious injuries.

"This was a huge breach of trust and you have a horrific history [of convictions].

"I have no difficulty in sending you to prison but there might be some hope of working with probation. There is some room to show you can change.

"There is no credit for a guilty plea because you stretched it out to the last moment hoping, maybe, that it would go away."

Baker received a 26-week prison sentence that has been suspended for 12 months and must carry out nine months of alcohol treatments, up to 30 rehabilitation activity days, and 40 hours of unpaid work.

Domestic abuse victims can call 01793 610 610 for support or visit https://swadomesticabuse.org for other guidance

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