A mechanic who twice attacked his lover over four days during a turbulent relationship, has been freed from jail after serving three months on remand.

Steven Horne, 33, of Moorcroft Gardens, off Callow Hill Lane, Walkwood, slapped Tracey Smith in the face but denied to police he had grabbed her round the throat and choked her, said David Swinnerton, prosecuting.

In January, Horne was given a community rehabilitation order after three other attacks on the same victim.

But after hearing the two-year relationship was finally over, Recorder Barbara Carter gave the defendant an eight-month jail term, suspended for two years.

She also made a 12-month order prohibiting him from contact with Miss Smith and ordered Horne to enrol on a programme to curb domestic violence, and pay £200 costs.

She told Horne: "This was a very destructive relationship all round, but that doesn't excuse your behaviour."

Worcester Crown Court heard that Miss Smith was fearful of Horne's mood swings and in April left him.

But on April 18 he visited her home and slapped her in the face. Four days later, when drunk, he repeated the offence.

He had also visited her elderly mother's home, where he kicked Miss Smith in the head and body with her mother present.

Horne pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault.

Kate Iliffe, defending, said it had been a volatile relationship. Horne had no intention of rekindling it.There had never been any violence on two previous long-term partners. Horne had regular contact with his son from a previous romance.