A MAN convicted of a drunken assault on his former partner has been jailed for nine months. Steven Wilson, who was said to be unable to get out of bed in the morning until he had drunk some vodka, went to prison still maintaining he was innocent. He claim

A MAN convicted of a drunken assault on his former partner has been jailed for nine months.

Steven Wilson, who was said to be unable to get out of bed in the morning until he had drunk some vodka, went to prison still maintaining he was innocent.

He claimed that the victim received the multiple bruises shown in photographs during an altercation with neighbours.

Wilson, 28, of Gonville Crescent, Stevenage, was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm by magistrates but was sent to Luton Crown Court to be sentenced because of the seriousness of the case.

Simon Ash, prosecuting, said the couple had been out drinking and were back at home in bed last April 29.

"In the middle of the night he woke her and began accusing her of sleeping with her brother, then punched her repeatedly in the face with both hands," he added.

"He threw her to the ground and stamped on her face and head then dragged her downstairs by her hair.

"In the kitchen he threw her to the ground and repeatedly kicked her body. He smashed a plant pot and put a broken piece to her face and said he was going to cut her."

Wilson left the house but was arrested shortly after. She had suffered bruising to her head and body and lost a tooth.

He told police that she attacked him and he did nothing except try to defend himself. He said she got her injuries in an altercation with neighbours, but was blaming him because she wanted to get out of the relationship.

Simon Shannon, defending, said: "It was a deeply unpleasant attack which he continues to deny.

"He has an acute alcohol problem. He needs vodka before he can get out of bed in the morning. He hopes to get onto a residential detox programme and is asking the court to give him a chance to be helped."

But Recorder Joanne Harris told Wilson on Friday: "This was a sustained assault and only a custodial sentence is justified. You were very drunk but that is no excuse.

"You continue to deny the offence took place which means you accept no responsibility and show no remorse.