A MAN has escaped jail after admitting an attack on his former partner in front of her children.

Adam Lewis, of Seabrook Rise, Grays, kicked 21-year-old Charlene Garrod down the stairs at her home and hit her over the head with a saucepan.

Yesterday a judge at Southend Crown Court gave Lewis a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years.

Recorder David Holborn said: "You subjected your former partner to the most appalling behaviour.

"What's wrong about all this is your children were present, they had to witness this.

"This was no way to behave or to treat them."

The 25-year-old when he went to Miss Garrod's home on the evening of April 6, after he had been out drinking to celebrate his birthday, the court was told.

John Livingstone, prosecuting, said Lewis "barged his way in" and went upstairs, believing Miss Garrod's new partner was there.

After kicking her down the stairs, Lewis followed and attacked her in front of the three children, including the 18-month-old son he had had with Miss Garrod.

Mr Livingstone said: "Miss Garrod felt a severe blow to the top of her head and felt a lot of pain.

"Her twins were screaming Mum, mum you're bleeding.' "She touched the back of her head and saw blood.

"The cut was consistent with a blow from a saucepan."

Miss Garrod was left with bruises to her left leg, forearm and thighs and needed five stitches to the back of her head.

Kate McCrimmon, representing Lewis, said: "He has already served 129 days in custody. To give a custodial sentence would punish, but not rehabilitate."

The judge also made Lewis subject to a supervision order for 18 months, requiring him to attend a domestic violence, drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programmes.