A man who struck his partner four times in the face chipping two of her teeth has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Stefan Ziga lashed out after drinking an excessive amount of vodka at a party, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Ian Howards said 25-year-old Ziga, of Sewell Road, Laisterdyke, Bradford, was living with the woman in Peterborough at the time of the assault, on December 12, 2020.

He at first denied the offence but went on to plead guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was committed to the crown court for sentence by Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Ian Howard said that Ziga had no previous convictions and had stayed out of trouble in the 14 months since the attack.

He and his then partner had been out drinking and had both downed vodka, although Ziga had drunk considerably more.

When they arrived back at their flat, an argument began because the woman had lent a relative £10, Mr Howard said.

Ziga lost his temper in drink and struck her forcefully four times to the head and face.

She fled the flat and the police were called.

Two of her teeth were chipped in the assault. Mr Howard said the cost of the dental work to repair them was £350.

Abdul Shakoor said in mitigation that Ziga was a man of previous good character and references spoke well of him. The probation service felt able to work with him in the community.

Recorder Paul Reid labelled it “an unpleasant offence” but highlighted the “unexplained and unnecessary delay” in bringing the matter to court.

Ziga had hit the woman four times as she screamed and shouted for help.

She had since made a statement saying she did not want to give evidence or the case to proceed, blaming herself in part for provoking him.

Recorder Reid said the offence would usually attract a 12-month prison sentence.

“The court will not countenance violence of this nature, particularly when it’s directed at a partner,” he said.

But in this case, the inevitable jail sentence could be suspended.

Ziga was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 180 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay the victim the £350 cost of the dental work and attend up to 30 rehabilitation activity days.

Recorder Reid said the work with the probation service would address Ziga’s potential alcohol misuse and his “impulsivity.”