A JUDGE has warned a man with a record of violence against women that he needs to change his attitude or face a lengthy jail sentence in future.

At Bolton Crown Court James Guest was jailed for six months after admitting two counts of assaulting former partner Sheena Carrol.

Peter Warne, prosecuting, told how 43-year-old Guest had met Ms Carrol shortly after being released from prison for attacking a previous partner.

The couple were together for six weeks, but two weeks before he attacked her at a house in Prestbury Close, Bury, the pair split up.

The court heard that on May 8 the pair had been drinking and Guest accused Ms Carrol of seeing someone else.

Mr Warne told how Guest grabbed her, forcing her head back four about four minutes, causing her to choke, whilst repeatedly punching her in the head and chest.

He released his grip, only to grab her by the throat and repeatedly throw her to the floor.

Ms Carrol fled into the house, but Guest forced his way into the property and his victim managed to lock herself in the bathroom.

“After a while the defendant appeared to calm down and said he loved her – that persuaded her to come out of the bathroom,” said Mr Warne.

But Guest attacked her again and the court was told she suffered extensive bruising around over her body and head.

Philip Martin, defending, said Guest, of Walmersley Road, Bury, “deeply regrets his behaviour.

“He has expressed a desire to learn from his mistakes and break the cycle he appears to have got himself into.”

The court was told that Guest has a history of violence against women and, jailing him for six months, the Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Timothy Clayson said it was regrettable that he could not order work to be done with the defendant once he is released from prison to deal with his behaviour.

Judge Clayson told Guest he must address his attitude to women and alcohol.

“You simply cannot go round beating up women,” Judge Clayson told him.

In addition to the jail sentence, a restraining order was made banning Guest from contacting his victim.