escape jail because he claims they are back together.

Troy Anthony Richardson, 27, of Euclid Avenue, Pembroke, was charged with unlawful assault and assault causing bodily on the woman.

But Richardson's lawyer Ms Sonia Grant pleaded that Magistrate the Wor. John Judge not to activate a previous suspended prison sentence because the couple had made up and they were expecting a second child.

However Prosecutor Sgt. Rex Osborne expressed doubt about the defendant's claim, stating that the woman had not mentioned any reconciliation when he communicated with her just a month ago.

Sgt. Osborne said the attacks took place separately, the unlawful assault on August 11 at the woman's home in Devonshire, when Richardson burst into the house and picked up their child and struck the woman in the mouth.

He drove away with the child but returned to find his girlfriend had locked herself in the bathroom. When she came out, Sgt. Osborne said, Richardson grabbed her by the hair and pushed her down the stairs.

The second attack occurred at Devonshire Recreation Club on January 17 this year. The woman was standing at the bar talking to a man when she was approached by Richardson who grabbed her round the waist and bit her eyebrow.

Sgt. Osborne said the attack caused a laceration to her eyebrow and left teeth marks on her forehead.

He said: "There was no warning and no provocation for the attack. He was pulled off her by other people in the club.'' Sgt. Osborne said that Richardson was serving a six month suspended prison sentence.

Ms Grant said that it was almost a "domestic'' matter and said the couple were back together expecting a second child.

Asking for a social inquiry report into Richardson, Mr. Judge said he would consider giving him a period of community service.

He warned the defendant not to repeat the behaviour. He said: "I would have to imprison you because, apart from anything else, I have to protect the public especially in the case of a man hitting a woman.''