A 24-year-old thug has been sentenced to 16 months behind bars after he brutally attacked his former partner in a Letchworth hotel.

The Comet: Roshaan Malcolm was sentenced to 16 months in prison after an attack which left his former partner with a burst ear drum, bruising and swelling to her face and scalp. Picture: Herts policeRoshaan Malcolm was sentenced to 16 months in prison after an attack which left his former partner with a burst ear drum, bruising and swelling to her face and scalp. Picture: Herts police (Image: Archant)

Roshaan Malcolm, of no fixed address, was jailed at St Albans Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm. CCTV footage from the incident showed him at the hotel reception, with his white shirt stained red by his victim’s blood.

The court heard how Malcolm and the victim had booked into the Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel on February 9 this year.

After Malcolm fell asleep, the victim decided to leave. But Malcolm woke up and followed her into the hotel bar – where he kicked her in the face, leaving her unconscious and covered in blood.

Doctors later discovered that the attack caused her a burst ear drum, swelling to her face and scalp, bruising to her face and body, a cut lip and a suspected broken nose.

After the sentencing, PC Sam Joyce from the Herts police domestic abuse investigation safeguarding unit said: “Malcolm’s victim was so frightened of him that she tried to leave the hotel in the early hours of the morning.

“This angered Malcolm and he lashed out, beating her and causing her numerous injuries. However, his first thought was to run, instead of seek medical attention for the victim.

“This was not the first time the victim had suffered at the hand of Malcolm’s temper and I want to commend her bravery in reporting it to us so that we could bring her attacker to justice.

“I hope Friday’s sentencing brings her some comfort and she is able to now move on with her life.”

Judge Graham Arran also handed Malcolm a restraining order forbidding him to contact the victim or visit her address. Malcolm was cleared of a charge of kidnapping.

If you think you are in an abusive relationship, you can visit www.hertssunflower.org for further help and advice.

To speak to someone, you can call the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08088 088088, which is open on weekdays from 9am to 9pm and over weekends from 9am to 4pm.

If you feel your life is in danger, always dial 999.