Matthew Palmer had been in a relationship with the woman since the end of 2024 before his "descent" into physical and emotional abuse.

Norwich Crown Court heard the 37-year-old attacked the woman - who he believed had been unfaithful - in two separate incidents last year.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

As a result Palmer has been banned from contacting the woman directly or indirectly for the next five years.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said in the first attack, on September 15, Palmer "became angry" and "got in her face" before pulling her by the hair.

He went later "booted" the woman in the left side of her ribs with his foot and slapped her cheek.

Mr Ivory said then a few days later, on September 29/30, Palmer again became angry and - as the victim put it - started "going mental".

He grabbed her by the wrists and put his "hand over her nose and mouth" before he threw her on the bed.

After she got up he pushed her into a glass bottle that smashed and then threw a pair of shoes at her.

Palmer, of no fixed abode, appeared at court for sentencing on Tuesday after admitting two offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

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Imposing an 18-month prison term, suspended for two years Recorder John Brooke-Smith said the emotional impact on the victim would likely "last for a very long time".

Rob Pollington, mitigating, said Palmer accepted full ownership of the offending behaviour and had indicated to probation a "desire to change".

He said he did seem "engaged" and working with mental health agencies and "seems to be making better choices".

Mr Pollington said Palmer had "acted appallingly while in drink" and that the assaults were "spontaneous".

Palmer was given an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement for 120 days and ordered to undertake 20 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR).

© Eastern Daily Press