A violent offender is back on the streets after being released from prison just a month after he was sentenced.

Damian Manning was jailed last month after subjecting a woman to a prolonged and violent assault.

When he appeared in court, Manning was given 13 months in prison and slapped with a restraining order.

At the time, Sussex Police welcomed his sentence, referring to the 33-year-old as being a "dangerous individual".

However, The Argus can confirm that just weeks after his court appearance, Manning is now out of jail. 

The Argus: Damian Manning was jailed last month for a violent assault on a woman Damian Manning was jailed last month for a violent assault on a woman (Image: Sussex Police)

Manning, of Lincoln Road in Portslade, attacked a woman on August 29 last year.

She suffered multiple injuries across her body and face, as well as a concussion.

Police were called to the scene at about 7am, with officers separating Manning from the woman to speak to them both separately,

He was arrested and charged with intentional strangulation, causing actual bodily harm, making threats to kill and two counts of criminal damage.

Manning appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court the following day and was remanded in custody. 

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He admitted causing actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation and was found guilty of one count of criminal damage.

However, Manning was cleared of making threats to kill and another count of criminal damage.

On February 8, he appeared at Hove Crown Court for sentencing and was handed an immediate jail term.

As well as being jailed, Manning was banned from contacting his victim or visiting a number of addresses linked to her.

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Sussex Police publicised the conviction, releasing a photograph of Manning and details of his sentence, along with quotes from Police Constable Andrew Lloyd.

Speaking at the time, PC Lloyd said: “Women and girls should feel safe in our communities and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect them.

“Acts of violence such as these have long-lasting impacts, long after the assault itself.

“I hope this custodial sentence and restraining order will go some way to providing closure to Damian Manning’s victim.

"I would like to thank her for supporting this investigation and helping to take a dangerous individual off the streets.”

The Argus:

However, The Argus was later contacted by a concerned member of the public who claimed that Manning had been released.

Following enquiries, it has been confirmed that Manning is now out of prison.

It is understood that this is due to time spent in custody awaiting trial.

Under criminal law, this time counts towards any jail term that is eventually passed.

Many prison sentences require a portion of time is spent behind bars, with the rest served on licence in the community.

These licences require offenders to abide by a set of rules, if these are broken, offenders can be sent back to jail.

The Ministry of Justice said it refused to comment on individual cases.