A NEWPORT man who battered his terminally ill father — punching him up to ten times in the face — has been sentenced.

Robert Burnett, of Godric Road, appeared before a judge at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Tuesday.

At a previous hearing, 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 had been drinking and playing on a games console until around 8pm. 

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.

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

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Back in April, 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. 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. 

A probation report revealed how Burnett had cut down on his alcohol consumption, realising he could not risk a repeat of what had happened. 

Burnett was given a 26-week prison term, suspended for two years, to include a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. 

He was also made subject of a five year restraining order.