A SANDOWN man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison after he struck a woman in the head with a glass bottle.

Jamie Simpson, 30, of Culver Parade, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Thursday) after he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm without intent.

The court heard how on December 20, Simpson and his victim Yavana Dix were both attending a wake, when an argument broke out, and Simpson attacked her.

Daniel Sawyer, prosecuting, said: "Mr Simpson and Ms Dix were both attending a wake on Lake Hill.

"They were both in the same social circle and knew each other. At around 11pm, as people were starting to leave, Mr Simpson suddenly turned on her and an argument started.

"He told her he would knock her out, she left to have a smoke, but Mr Simpson followed. The argument continued, Ms Dix threw her drink on him, so he struck her with a bottle.

"She fell to the ground and he was immediately apologetic. He offered to help her back up but the police were called and Mr Simpson ran away before they arrived.

"As a result of this incident, Ms Dix has been left feeling vulnerable, whenever she goes out she insists on knowing exactly who will be there and she is wary around strangers, especially where alcohol is involved.

"She was left with a large scar on her face that makes her feel self-conscious and it acts as a constant reminder. It's something that will affect her for years to come and the rest of her life."

Judge Susan Evans heard how Simpson was arrested on his birthday at his mother's house on December 29.

At the time Simpson was subject to a community order after he was found guilty of three counts of assault and one count of criminal damage at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on November 18.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Simpson had pleaded guilty to attacking a former partner and her father on August 24.

Elisabeth Bussey-Jones, defending Simpson, said: "People who know Mr Simpson know he is not in the habit of routinely getting involved in this sort of behaviour.

"He wants the court to know he has absolutely no intent on contacting Ms Dix ever again."

Judge Evans said: "You were on a community order for attacking a former partner and her father. You ran away leaving Ms Dix in a shocking state.

"It seems violence against women is nothing new for you. When you drink, you become violent."

Simpson was given a 51-month custodial sentence, some of which will be on licence.

He was also given a permanent restraining order, barring him from contacting Ms Dix, and was ordered to pay court costs of £120.