A MAN who 'bragged about being a UFC fighter' has been spared jail after subjecting his then partner to a 'bullying' assault in her own home.

Kevin Berger, of Highlands Road in Rhuddlan, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Monday morning.

The 45-year-old had previously admitted one offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Laura Knightly, prosecuting, told the court that in October 2022, Berger began a relationship with Natalie Fletcher.

Things went well for a few months and they moved in together.

But issues began to arise regarding Berger's violence.

It was also noted that he didn't like her staying out too late.

In December that year, the victim returned home after a night out.

Berger punched her multiple times, causing her to fall to the floor.

Ms Fletcher was bleeding from her nose and had a lump on her head.

There was "blood everywhere" and the defendant recorded her on his phone as she lay crying on the floor, the court heard.

Ms Knightly told the court the defendant's admission came on the second day of his trial and was on the basis that he'd accepted punching her several times, causing her to have a bloody nose and a lump to the head.

Despite the incident, the relationship continued until 2023 - with the police imposing two domestic violence prevention orders during that time.

In her victim statement, Ms Fletcher said the crime had made her "a different person to who she was before."

Ms Knightly invited the court to take into consideration that the defendant "is a mixed martial arts fighter" and the victim had come home "intoxicated from a night out, not anticipating an attack."

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Gareth Bellis, defending, said his client had been on a curfew for almost a year and asked the court to factor that into the sentence.

"The curfew was made shorter so he could get to work and continue with his employment rather than sitting on a sofa claiming benefits," he said.

"It's a stark choice today between immediate custody and a suspended sentence with a number of requirements.

"The offence happened nearly two years ago now. In my submission, Your Honour doesn't need to send him to prison today.

"A suspended sentence would hang over him for a long period with more unpaid work - which he has shown he can do.

"He does need some guidance via the probation service and is someone who can be rehabilitated in the community."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "This was a nasty, bullying assault on your victim in a domestic setting in her own home - where she should be safe.

"Bragging that you're a UFC fighter, you repeatedly punched her to the head and face, leaving her bloodied and crying on the floor where you continued to demean her verbally."

The offence was aggravated by Berger's "fighting arts skills" and the domestic setting.

However the Judge recognised that his engagement with the probation service had improved  - as well as the fact 20 months had passed since the assault.

As such, a 14 month custodial term was imposed, but it was suspended for two years.

Berger must undertake 250 hours of unpaid work and up to 35 sessions on a programme requirement.

He must also pay £750 compensation to his victim.

Judge Parry imposed a three year restraining order, for her protection.