THE 'terrified' victim of domestic violence who was strangled, punched and had her head split open feared she would die in both bloody attacks.

Jonathan Pettigan's victim said she had become a recluse since the assaults, one of which happened in her own home and left her in hospital with a suspected fractured skull and her hair matted with blood after he pushed her into a windowsill.

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The 46-year-old of Robeson Close, Droitwich, who has a string of previous convictions (47 for 91 offences), was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a trial at Worcester Magistrates Court on Monday.

Officers at the scene found her on the hallway floor and tried to keep her from falling asleep until she could be taken to the Alexandra Hospital, wrapping a bandage around her head.

Magistrates rejected Pettigan's claim that he was acting in self-defence as the chairman told him that, even on his own evidence, the attack clearly failed the test for that argument to succeed.

The bench accepted the two had been involved in a 'heated argument'.

Pettigan had already admitted another ABH against the same victim, committed while on bail for the first attack.

By his denial of the first attack, however, the victim was forced to come to court and give evidence, breaking down in tears as she described what happened during an assault on March 3.

Her victim personal statement revealed the toll of the abuse.

Tim Talbot-Webb, who prosecuted in the trial, read the victim's statement: "I get terrified when anyone comes to my door. I'm afraid of someone barging into my house."

Because of the strangulation, her throat is still sore it had affected her voice.

She also said she no longer had the confidence to go to the gym.

The court heard how she ran from her home with blood coming from her nostril, that Pettigan struck her face several times, strangled her and bit her finger.

"I don't go out any more," she said, telling officers she had become a recluse.

"I thought I was going to die both times Jon attacked me."

Darren Smith, chairman of the bench, said the offences were 'clearly outside of our sentencing range' which means Pettigan will be sentenced by a judge at the crown court.

Mr Talbot-Webb described Pettigan's previous convictions as 'the kind of record you would expect from someone who has a heroin addiction' including 'theft and kindred offences'.

However, Pettigan also has convictions for criminal damage, racially or religiously aggravated harassment and battery.

Pettigan will be sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on May 27. In the meantime, he was remanded in custody.