Lee Sinclair jailed for 24 months following violent attack on partner in her New Milton home

A MAN who carried out a prolonged and violent attack on his partner in her New Milton home has been jailed for 24 months.

Lee Sinclair (40), formerly of New Milton but now of no fixed abode, began the attack around midnight on 6th April, Southampton Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor James Kellen told the court the “prolonged series of beatings” only ended when the victim escaped around 7am, running barefoot along the road.

He said Sinclair had inflicted blows to her face and body, causing multiple injuries including severe swelling and bruising. She also suffered a suspected fracture to her ribs and finger.

He added: “She lost all track of time during the beatings, but eventually fled to a neighbour’s house and then was taken to hospital, where staff called police.”

The court heard Sinclair has 56 previous convictions for offences including threats to kill, battery, possessing an offensive weapon, burglary, robbery, assault and harassment.

He had a “significant” history of domestic violence and had previously breached a restraining order.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Defending, Michael Cogan said his client was a “long-term alcoholic”, adding: “Practically all his offending is linked to alcohol.” However, since being remanded in custody, he had been attending AA meetings weekly and “felt much better for it”.

He had also engaged with self awareness courses in prison which had given him an “insight” into his offending, he said.

“He would like me to give an open apology on his behalf to the victim. He appreciates his behaviour was appalling and disgraceful”, he added.

A former bricklayer, Sinclair was keen to get back to work, having served 223 days on remand for the offence.

Mr Cogan said: “Over the course of his life he estimates he has spent between four to five years in custody. He wants to stop the cycle.”

Handing him a 24-month prison sentence, Judge Nicholas Rowland said: “This was a prolonged and persistent attack within her home [and] your record against previous partners is a seriously aggravating feature.

“I hope you do wish to turn your life around and take advantage of opportunities, which you haven’t done so far.”

He also imposed a five-year restraining order.