A Colchester man is now behind bars after being found guilty of attacking his girlfriend.

Joshua Smith, of Straight Road, stamped on his partner’s face during a row.

During a trial at Ipswich Crown Court, the 27-year-old had denied attempting to wound Charlotte Munns with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm, and assaulting her causing actual bodily harm.

He was found guilty of both offences by a jury and as well as being jailed he was banned from contacting Miss Munns for five years.

Giving evidence during his trial, Smith denied grabbing Miss Munns by the throat and pinning her against a wall during an argument on May 14.

Smith also denied punching her while she was lying on a bed and then stamping on her face while she was on the kitchen floor.

He claimed injuries to her face were caused by her falling down the stairs while she was chasing him during a row.

Smith also denied assaulting Miss Munns a week earlier on May 7 by throwing a hot spatula at her during an argument, causing a burn on her back.

He claimed the injury was caused accidentally.