A West Sussex man assaulted his partner before hurling a paving slab at his parents' car.

Worthing Magistrates Court heard how Christopher Sayers, 36, became violent after returning home from the pub on June 14.

Sayers, a fisherman, of Thorncroft Road, Littlehampton, punched his partner, Anja Rolfe, causing her bruising to her face and legs.

Kirsten Sharp, prosecuting, said Ms Rolfe had described him as acting like a "madman".

She said he then "trashed" the couple's kitchen before hurling a paving slab at the car.

Simon Hamilton, defending, said: "There is a suggestion one of his drinks was spiked. He has no idea what happened."

Sayers, who had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to assault by beating and criminal damage, was yesterday sentenced to a 12-month community rehabilitation order.