A PONTYPOOL man was given a suspended sentence for a “disgusting” attack on his wife.

Samuel Sullivan, aged 28, of Oswald Close, Pontypool, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court charged with assault by beating.

Sullivan's address was given on the court list and by the court office as 'Oswald Close, Pontypool'.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that Sullivan had attacked his wife of two years on December 10, 2014, at around 7.15am.

The court heard they have been married for two years.

Byron Broadstock, prosecuting, told the court that Sullivan takes medication for schizophrenia and is not meant to drink while on medication.

He saidtold the court that Sullivan’s wife said the defendant had been drinking for two or three months before the assault in December.

Mr Broadstock said that Sullivan’s wife was in bed when the defendant entered the bedroom and got into bed at around 7.15am.

An argument ensued and Sullivan then assaulted his wife.

He was arrested the same day.

David Pinnell, defending, said Sullivan wanted to put matters right.

He said: “Many family members and friends describe the defendant to be very remorseful, which is echoed by the parole officer. He has shown genuine remorse on his part – he wants to put matters right.”

Judge Michael Fitton QC, said the offence crossed the custody threshold.

Sentencing Sullivan, he said: “This was an extreme and unforeseen assault in a domestic context.

“It is quite clear from what I have read about you that you sincerely regret it.

"But I must make it absolutely clear that this crosses the custody threshold.

“This assault on your partner in her own home was morally disgusting.

"You should rightly be ashamed of your behaviour.”

Sullivan was given three months imprisonment suspended for 18 months.

He will also be subject to an 18-month supervision order and a special activity requirement for 18 months.