AN angry Bournemouth man who hit his terrified partner over the head with a baseball bat after she wore his ‘hoodie’ to work has escaped being sent to prison.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how violence had flared on October 7 last year after Russell Dean accused Celia Wright of stretching his hooded top. Dean, 51, admitted assault, causing actual bodily harm.

Prosecuting, Jennie Rick-man said an argument had ensued and Dean had pushed Miss Wright towards a window, adding: “She bumped her left knee, causing pain.

“As she saw him hitting out, she went to try and punch him, connecting with his head and ribs.

“The next thing she remembers is him with a baseball bat, his face contorted in anger.

“He swung at her head, hitting her with full force, causing excruciating pain.

“She was terrified and thought he was going to kill her but managed to pin him down and dial 999.”

Miss Wright was taken to hospital, suffering from swelling to her left knee and swelling to her head. She did not need medical treatment.

In a statement, she said she was still suffering from regular migraines and had lost her confidence. Mrs Rickman told the court: “She struggles with socialising and is angry and scared; their relationship is at an end.”

In Dean’s defence, the court was told that he accepted he had “gone beyond reasonable force” to defend himself, had “acted entirely on impulse” and was “deeply remorseful for his actions.”

Judge Roger Jarvis imposed a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, and 12-month community order. Dean, from Sea Road, Boscombe, was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay Miss Wright £300 compensation.

He told Dean: “You won’t be surprised to learn that the courts take a very serious view of offences of domestic violence.

“It is plain that there was violence on both sides and you were under stress; no matter what happened before there can be no excuse for using a bat to strike your victim over the head.”