JAIL WARNING FOR MAN WHO HIT PARTNER OVER HEAD WITH PICTURE FRAME

A MAN who hit his partner over the head with a picture frame during a violent argument has been warned that he could be facing a jail term.James Watson pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm when he appeared before a judge at Swindon Crown Court.The 43-year-old admitted leaving the woman with a broken finger and cut head after the attack on August 2 last year.Watson, of Silver Street, Steeple Ashton, had been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, which he denied.He accepted he had put his hands round the woman's neck but denied squeezing her throat, and prosecutors said they would not seek a trial of issue, called a Newton hearing, on that fact.Hannah Squire, for the Crown, said after the injuries were assessed it was decided that the lesser charge was more appropriate.She said "The victim has got injuries to her neck. She certainly got a crack over the head with a picture frame as there is a head wound and she broke her little finger."Lucie Stoker, defending, said her client had health issues and suffered a number of seizures thought to be related to stress.She said the couple had a difficult relationship in the past which led to him reacting in the way he did.Judge Tim Mousley QC adjourned the case to September 19 and released him on conditional bail until then.He said "The court will be considering all sentencing options which includes immediate custody, do you understand?"