A pensioner who had previously been jailed for murder, battered his elderly girlfriend with a club during a bedroom row, magistrates heard.

Stedford Williamson, 71, appeared for sentencing after being convicted at an earlier hearing of assaulting 75-year-old Amelia Mansell at his home.

Ann Toynbee, prosecuting, explained Williamson and Mrs Mansell had been together at a social club on March 9 where alcohol was consumed.

She said: "They came back to Williamson's sheltered accommodation flat where he continued drinking.

"He went to bed but when Mrs Mansell joined him he picked up a wooden club and hit her around the head. She suffered a bruised left eye and forehead.

"Mrs Mansell was able to make her way home but reported the incident to the accommodation warden."

Magistrates heard yesterday that Williamson, of Furnace Parade, Furnace Green, Crawley, was jailed for life for murder in 1969, but released on license after serving seven years.

Rossano Scamardella, defending, said: "My client has led a reclusive life since being freed from prison in 1976.

"He feels isolated and has no friends apart from Mrs Mansell who he has now lost.

"Despite their ages he called her his girlfriend.

"On that night, Mr Williamson wanted Mrs Mansell to go home.

"He picked up the club, which he kept by his bed post for protection, and started waving it around.

"He acted recklessly but it was not an intentional assault and fortunately there were no lasting injuries."

Williamson was put on probation for six months and ordered to pay Mrs Mansell £150 compensation and prosecution costs of £200. Magistrates ordered the destruction of the wooden club.

Mrs Mansell and Williams first met a party in London 25 years ago. Until earlier this year, Williams had lived for four years at her bungalow.