A NEWPORT man who battered his terminally ill father — punching him in the face ten times — could serve a jail term. 

Robert Burnett, of Godric Road, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday (April 8).

The 38-year-old admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and assault by beating, in Newport, on February 5.

Prosecutor, Shami Duggal, told the court Burnett had been at his father and stepmother's home address on the day in question. 

She said all three individuals had been drinking and playing on a games console until around 8pm. 

The court heard Burnett had been asked to leave before 9pm, but had fallen asleep on a sofa. 

When his father covered him with a blanket and gave him a kiss on the head, Burnett jumped up and pushed him.

The bench was told Burnett then repeatedly punched his father in the face — around ten times — focussing on his eye socket.

Ms Duggal said his stepmother attempted to intervene twice, knocked back on the first occasion, and pushed away the second time.

The following day, Burnett texted his father, asking him why he had blood on his trousers and whether they had had a fight. 

In police interview, Burnett told officers he couldn't remember what had happened and that he suffers from seizures. 

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Burnett was single, unemployed, and signed off sick from work.

He said his parents had been his primary means of support and he had a variety of medical issues. 

The court heard some arose from a road traffic accident he was involved in 15 years ago, and he also suffered from depression and anxiety. 

Mr Vincent said Burnett suffered from unexplained seizures which appeared to have affected him that day.

He said Burnett couldn't explain what happened — with no recollection — but wished to apologise to his father and stepmother. 

Magistrates told Burnett their sentencing powers were insufficient, and his case was adjourned to May 6 at the Isle of Wight Crown Court. 

He was granted conditional bail.