A 53-YEAR-OLD man with a history of violence offences who assaulted an ex-partner will have to do unpaid work.

Justin Hodgetts, of Glenthorne Avenue, Worcester, left the victim with bruising and swelling to the right eye and cheek, Worcester Magistrates Court heard. 

Eleanor Peart, prosecuting, said on July 22 this year Hodgetts had been drinking before committing the assault which had included him grabbing her face and putting her in a headlock. 

Miss Peart said the force had made the victim fear her teeth would break adding the victim had said "She is scared of what he is capable of". 

Worcester News: THUG: Justin Hodgetts leaving Worcester Magistrates CourtTHUG: Justin Hodgetts leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"On arrest he was angry and uncompliant," the prosecutor said. 

"He has a history of violence offences  - 12 out of 63 offences, the last being ABH in 2011."

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The prosecutor said the offence had been aggravated by it taking place in a domestic setting - Hodgetts home - and that he was intoxicated at the time.

Miss Peart added the victim had said Hodgetts, who admitted assault by beating, had been violent throughout the relationship which had ended prior to the assault. 

Worcester News: COURT: Justin Hodgetts case was heard at Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Justin Hodgetts case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court

Judith Kenney, defending, explained Hodgetts tried to persuade her to leave his home but committed the illegal act after she did not leave. 

"He physically moved her," Mrs Kenney said. 

"He should not have done that."

The solicitor said the victim had made contact with Hodgetts through calls on withheld numbers since the offence and she had given the advice not to respond, as would risk breaking court orders. 

Mrs Kenney added that she was "imploring" magistrates not to make an unfair restraining order in the case. 

Fiona James, chairperson of the magistrates bench, said they were giving Hodgetts a 24-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work to complete and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Hodgetts was fined £144, ordered to pay compensation of £50 and costs of £135. 

The chairperson said, given what they had heard about the victim contacting the defendant, they had decided not to impose a restraining order as they didn't want to Hodgetts breach it and end up back in court.

The case was heard on Tuesday (November 21).