A MAN who subjected his pregnant partner to a terrifying hour-long assault has been jailed.

Jordan Prince, of Tryweryn Place in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Wednesday afternoon.

The 24-year-old had been convicted at a previous hearing of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

Rosemary Proctor, prosecuting, told the court that Prince and his victim Stacey Collins had been in a relationship for around six months when the offences took place, on March 1 this year.

Ms Collins was also 12 weeks pregnant with the defendant's child.

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They were in bed when, at around 8am, Prince woke Ms Collins up and asked for the passcode to her phone.

He began to shout at her, and when she asked him to stop he threw the phone at the wall, damaging plaster.

He then grabbed her around the face, slapped her on the head more than once and struck her hard on the ear.

The victim heard a sharp screeching noise after the blow.

It was later discovered at A&E that her eardrum had been perforated.

The Leader: Jordan Prince (NWP)Jordan Prince (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)And Prince didn't stop there - he pushed her to the floor and put his foot on her neck, but didn't press down.

He pushed his victim into the bathroom and slapped her on the back of her head as she sat covering her face.

All in all, the assault lasted around an hour.

In her victim personal statement, Ms Collins said: "I am in a difficult situation because of this - I am, at the time of writing, 18 weeks pregnant - carrying Jordan's baby.

"Despite what he did, I do feel he has suffered a great deal of problems in his life.

"I know he's had a very difficult childhood.

"I feel he does need help and hope he will be offered support to change his life."

Philip Tully, defending, told the court: "He fully accepts the crown's case.

"In my view, Mr Prince is someone that would benefit from support and guidance regarding dealing with some of his mental health issues.

"It must have been a highly unpleasant and frightening experience for Ms Collins and he accepts that.

The Leader:

"He wants to express his deep remorse and apologise again for his conduct.

"At the time of the offence, he was struggling with his mental health."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "This was a horrible incident. Not only did your pregnant partner suffer a sustained attack of all kinds and a nasty injury - she still supports you."

Judge Parry handed down an eight month custodial sentence, to be served immediately.