A MAN has been sent to jail for 18 weeks after he punched his girlfriend for using his medication.

Andrew Matthews, of Seabury Street in Latchford, appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Alison Warburton prosecuting, said: "On November 29, Matthews had an argument with his girlfriend over the fact she had supposedly taken some of his prescribed medication.

"He hit her in the face then left the house.

"Police attended the property on Broadbent Avenue in Latchford and observed blood on the woman's chest and mouth.

"They said she appeared confused."

Matthews, 47, has 34 previous convictions for 79 offences – eight of which were against his girlfriend.

Simon Dunn, defending said: "Matthews accepts the single blow charge. "This lady did not attend court on the trial date and did not cooperate with the prosecution.

"He left the property after the incident and accepts that he bloodied her nose.

"The pair have been in an eight-year relationship but it has been a complicated one.

"The victim has sent Matthews love letters and money while he has been in custody and so I do not think a restraining order is necessary."

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Chairman of the magistrates Mr Walton described the woman as a 'vulnerable victim' and imposed a two-year restraining order preventing Matthews from entering within 200 yards of the woman's home.

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Matthews was also sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £385 in court costs, compensation and a victim surcharge.