A Milford Haven man grabbed a woman by the hair and smashed a lampshade over her head following an argument, a court heard yesterday (Thursday).

Michael Coe, of 144 Haven Drive in Hakin, appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court to face one charge of actual bodily harm and two charges of criminal damage. He had already pleaded guilty to all three charges at an earlier hearing.

Prosecutor David Weale described how police received a 999 call and attended a property at Waterloo Square on November 22nd. He said officers arrived and found a woman in a state of distress: "She had swelling on her face and was upset. Police couldn't make out what she was saying as she was slurring her words."

Mr Weale said that officers then arranged for an ambulance to take the complainant to Withybush Hospital, before locating Coe and arresting him.

During police interview, Coe was said to have admitted "smashing the house up," and recalled grabbing the woman by the hair, punching her, and hitting her with a lampshade.

Mr Weale said the woman suffered injuries to her eye, shoulder and arm, and house items damaged in the incident included windows, a mobile phone, a television and pictures. He added the assault had followed an earlier dispute between the pair.

Defence lawyer Jonathan Webb said Coe, 22, was "extremely remorseful and embarrassed," by the situation, and was in no way trying to play down his actions. However he did say that given the nature of the dispute, it was understandable as to why the "red mist" had descended.

"He has been co-operative throughout the investigation and isn't shying away from what he did," said Mr Webb.

"He has shown empathy, remorse and embarrassment. He has convictions but has no previous convictions or cautions for this sort of violence."

Magistrates told Coe he had carried out a "prolonged and vicious attack."

He was given a four month prison sentence that will be suspended for two years, and ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work. He was also made the subject of a two year supervision order for anger management, ordered to complete a domestic abuse course, and told to pay £200 to the victim in compensation and £85 prosecution costs.