An Oxfordshire resident has been handed a suspended term after being convicted of attacking his ex-partner during her pregnancy.

Ben Casey, from High Street in Witney, faced sentencing at Oxford Crown Court on April 24.

The 22-year-old was tried earlier this year and found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in Witney on September 5 the previous year.

He was acquitted of allegations concerning knife threats and criminal damage.

Peter Du Feu, for the defence, told the court that Casey had already served seven months and 16 days on remand.

He said Casey had used his time in custody to reflect on how he found himself in this position. He noted his client was coping as well as could be hoped and was determined to obtain mental health assistance.

He added that Casey needed to stay away from substances and rebuild a more steady way of living, returning to the strong work habits he had previously demonstrated.

Presiding over the case, Mr Recorder Mark Jones, remarked that the jury had convicted Casey after a trial concerning a serious domestic incident. He described how Casey had caused bruising, bitten her and hit her stomach while she was carrying a child.

Casey grabbed her arms, leaving visible marks. She gave evidence that he pushed her hard and dragged his nails across her face.

She told the court he bit her cheek beneath her eye. The judge said he was not satisfied that Casey deliberately kicked her in the stomach, though she had been worried about the safety of her unborn baby.

The court heard that Casey has prior convictions totalling three offences across two separate cases.

Casey was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and attend an accredited programme.

He was also given a five-year restraining order preventing any contact with the complainant and instructed to pay £1,800 in costs within 12 months.