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A Leatherhead man with previous convictions for violence has avoided going to prison after he punched, slapped and hit an ex-girlfriend over the head with a picture frame in a "sustained attack".

Eamon Masterson, of Levett Road, in Leatherhead, was found guilty of assaulting a former partner after he turned up at her home late at night earlier this year.

Masterson was found guilty of one count of ABH and one count of criminal damage at the end of a trial at Staines Magistrates' Court on July 21 this year and maintained his innocence during a sentencing hearing at Guildford Crown Court today (Thursday, September 14).

Judge Recorder Antony Chinn described the "domestic" incident as a "sustained attack" and warned the 50-year-old "how close he came" to being sent to prison immediately.

Prosecutor Rio Pahlavanpour described how the assault began after Masterson went to the home of his ex-girlfriend in an “intoxicated” state on February 26 this year.

Mr Pahlavanpour said: “Masterson and the victim had been in a 14 month relationship but by the time of February 26 this was more of a on-off relationship.

“The victim went to bed at around 9.30pm that evening having consumed some wine and was awoken at around 11pm by the defendant at her door.

“An argument began and he threw food and a bag at the victim before pushing past her.”

Mr Pahlavanpour then described how Masterson “punched and slapped” the victim before “kicking and slamming items” in her home.

He then entered the victim’s bedroom where he hit her over the back of the head with a picture frame leaving her with a cut that needed to be glued together at hospital.

In an impact statement read to the court by Mr Pahlavanpour the victim said Masterson would "constantly put her down" by mentioning her clothes or hair during their relationship.

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In the statement the victim said: “If he can do this to me then what could he do to other people. I am determined to see this through.”

The court heard Masterson had 51 previous convictions, including 7 for violence against a person.

Masterson was given an 18-month sentence suspended for two years as well as an 18-month rehabilitation activity requirement order and a 12-month restraining order to not contact the victim.

While sentencing Recorder Chinn noted that it had been three years since Masterson’s last conviction and that this was his first assault of a domestic nature but warned him how close he came to custody.

He said: “You may have noticed from what I said that I still believe there is hope for you, however if you come back to this court there may not be.

“I hope you understand how close you came to a custodial sentence.”

Masterson’s other convictions also included offences relating to drink and drugs and convictions for possession of a knife and a racially/religiously aggravated assault.

He also has multiple previous convictions for the breach of previous court imposed suspended sentences and community orders.