A drunken man attacked his ex-partner with a hammer.

Joseph Muchai, 35, hit the woman as she cowered under a duvet.

Yesterday at Brighton Crown Court Muchai admitted affray and was jailed for six months.

The court was told the couple were together for six years but split up after she complained he had been violent, although they continued to live together in Cavendish Place, Eastbourne.

Gail Purdy, prosecuting, said on the night of May 9 Muchai, who had been drinking, launched the violent attack on his ex-partner.

Two children were in the room at the time.

Karen Neville, defending, said the victim was not injured in the incident and did not want to support the police’s prosecution..

She said: "He is truly remorseful for what he has done. He is very ashamed. Since the offence he has not drunk any alcohol."

She said Muchai was now living in Bristol where he was receiving help for his drinking problem.

Recorder Stephen Males said: "This was a terrifying incident."