A ROW between a woman and her ex-partner led to him grabbing her around the neck and spitting in her face, an Isle of Wight Court was told.

Mark Thomas Grant Knight, who denied assaulting Sarah Roberts by beating on September 16 last year, was found guilty and convicted after a trial at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Knight and the victim, who have a child from a previous relationship, argued on a visit to her home.

During the course of the argument, they swore at each other, which she recorded on her mobile phone.

"He then grabbed her round the neck and spat in her face," Ann Smout, prosecuting, told the bench.

"The victim did not contact the police immediately, but she told a friend, who in turn informed the police.

"In the recording, before she was attacked, she had made several requests for him to leave the house."

Knight, 50, of Worcester Road, Newport, with no previous convictions, maintained his innocence when arrested, telling the police there had been no physical contact, although he conceded they had argued.

In her victim impact statement, read to the court, Miss Roberts said the assault had a profound affect on her life and health — suffering panic attacks and anxiety, for which she needs weekly counselling.

For Knight, in mitigation, Henry Farley said: "There were no injuries, but it was an unpleasant incident.

"He said he wants a relationship with his son and never wants him to see him angry or raising his voice.

"He said his behaviour that day was regrettable and reprehensible and he is determined to be a good dad.

"He knows he has a black mark on his copybook and that he will have to demonstrate he is a fit and proper person to be around."

Knight was handed a year's probation, to include up to 15 rehabilitation sessions, and ordered to pay a £350 fine, with £600 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

The dad of two was also made subject to a 12-month restraining order.