A MAN staying at accommodation in Newport for homeless people was the victim of "a frenzied attack" by a couple who were also staying there, a court heard.

Anthony Hillman, 29, of Bridge Street, Newport, and Sarah Gibbons, 28, of Chepstow Road, Newport, had displayed "totally unacceptable violence", said Judge Eleri Rees.

She told the pair: "You are very fortunate not to be facing a far more serious charge."

Each was jailed for 12 months and Hillman was jailed for a further two months to run consecutively for the breach of a suspended sentence for possessing an offensive weapon and theft.

The judge, sitting at Cardiff crown court, said that when sober the pair would be "perfectly pleasant people" but with alcohol they became entirely different.

Each pleaded guilty to causing Paul Taynton actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor James Wilson said that on July 8 last year all involved were staying at the Newport Hotel, Chepstow Road.

That night there was a disturbance involving a drunken man in one of the flats and later, the two defendants attacked Mr Taynton.

He was punched and kicked and described it as "frenzied".

At one point, said Mr Wilson, he collapsed to his knees outside the premises.

When the police arrived Hillman was drinking from a wine bottle and Gibbons was drunk.

Mr Taynton was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital and treated for cuts and bruises.

Hillman said he acted in self-defence and Gibbons denied the attack.

Hillman was said to have convictions for wounding with intent involving attacking a neighbour and slashing him with a bowie knife, causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

Gibbons was said to have a conviction for robbery, public order offences, and wounding.

Nigel Fryer, for Hillman, said: "This was an unpleasant incident. An ugly scene developed and matters escalated."

Hillman’s life, he said, had been chaotic and he had had drink and drugs problems.

Simon Goodman, for Gibbons, said she was motivated to deal with her many problems. "It was not her fight but started by others."