A 35-year-old man who hit his girlfriend on the head with curling tongs has been sentenced to five months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

Clinton Bennett, of Towngate, Wyke, Bradford, will be supervised by the probation service and he must undergo a three month alcohol treatment programme. Bennett pleaded guilty to common assault on Hayley Thompson on June 21 and July 6.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that he hit Miss Thompson with the curling irons in the first assault and seized her in a headlock and dragged her along in The Calder pub in Brighouse in the second incident. Miss Thompson, who was unhurt both times, wanted to be reconciled with Bennett, the court was told.

Bennett had five previous convictions, including causing a man actual bodily harm by fighting at a wedding and disorderly conduct for arguing in the street with an ex-girlfriend. He wrote to Judge John Potter saying he was very remorseful and making big efforts to turn his life around.