A MAN who beat his lover with a belt during a frenzied attack has been jailed for three years at Worcester Crown Court.

Angus Currie also punched Stella Field so hard in her left ear she needed stitches.

He ended the violence after she grabbed a knife to protect herself and suffered a cut hand when he snatched it off her, said Neil Williams, prosecuting.

Currie, 59, of Mitton Gardens, Stourport, admitted assaulting Miss Field and causing her actual bodily harm.

Judge Michael Mott described him as "a dangerous drunk and a coward".

Currie had a record for assault, wounding, damage and threatening behaviour. He was unable to be sentenced last week after getting drunk outside the court.

Miss Field left Currie after a long relationship to live at her mother's home following an argument on January 3. But he phoned to apologise and she returned to him.

His mood changed after he got drunk on vodka, said Mr Williams. He lunged towards the victim as she sat on a settee, punching and kicking her.

He grabbed her around the throat and started to strangle her. Then he took off his belt with a metal buckle and beat her on the back, leaving bruises.

Gareth Walters, defending, said Miss Field had attended court with him and wanted him back. The longer they were apart, the worse she felt.

Currie was "not proud" of his behaviour and needed professional help to curb his drink habit.