An angry man kicked his partner's head like "a football" and stamped on her after she broke his window.

Shocked witnesses watched as Paul Gary Carruthers lashed out at Lisa Newton as she lay on the ground in a Maryport street. It was said he had earlier "filled himself" with drink and drugs.

Carruthers, 38, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court having admitted an actual bodily harm assault on his then-partner in March.

Richard Archer, prosecuting, said there had been an earlier "petty argument" between the pair, during which Carruthers threw a sink drainer across her living room.

He returned home but Miss Newton arrived and broke a window at the property, sustaining a serious arm injury in the process.

"She tried to run away for fear of being assaulted," said Mr Archer.

Eye witnesses watched in horror as Carruthers ran after her in the Grasslot street.

He was said to have then dragged Miss Newton to the ground, where she lay in the "foetal position" attempting to cover her head.

"She was trying to protect her head because the defendant was kicking her in the head with great force; described by a witness as being like kicking a football and not somebody's head," said Mr Archer.

"Miss Newton was rolling over, lying on her back. It was at that stage he used the opportunity to stamp down on her head with intent."

Witnesses who called police described her as being in "quite a state". An officer's body-cam footage captured "clear bruising to her eye which had begun to close".

When interviewed, Carruthers made no comment other than to state: "I am the victim here."

"Impressive" references were produced in support of Carruthers, who was said to have an "excellent work record". A pre-sentence report spoke well of him "in many ways", the court heard.

"He fully accepts he lost his temper and went outside and dealt with things the way witnesses described," said Marion Weir, defending.

Miss Newton had caused "significant damage" to the window, Miss Weir said, and the relationship had come to an end.

She added: "He has shown remorse. He is ashamed of his actions."

A nine-month jail term was suspended for 12 months by Recorder Simon Medland QC. Carruthers was ordered to attend a "building better relationships" course, and complete a rehabilitation requirement and 150 hours' unpaid work.

He must pay £300 compensation to his victim and a £200 fine.

"You lost your temper in a most florid and disturbing way," said the judge.

"The descriptions from eyewitnesses are particularly chilling."