A SOUTHAMPTON man who beat up his girlfriend while high on lighter fuel has been jailed for two years.

Charles Talbot's five-month relationship with Christine Moutter had collapsed after a misunderstanding, when he returned to his flat where she was waiting.

Calling her a bitch, he inhaled the lighter fuel, grabbed her ponytail, pulled her head back and punched her in the face.

Prosecutor Carl Anderson told Southampton Crown Court: "She says she immediately saw stars."

He then headbutted her on the forehead and she felt blood on her face.

The court then heard two different stories as to what ensued.

The victim claimed he then put a chain around her neck, but he maintained he only used his hands.

However, she managed to free herself and run to a window, screaming as loud as possible.

Mr Anderson said the violence finally ended after he pulled her into the living room and threatened to hurt her even more.

Talbot, 46, of Hampton Towers, Weston, admitted causing actual bodily harm.

Judge Christopher Leigh QC, who saw photographs of Ms Moutter's injuries, said: "You gave her a severe beating.

"Even if she is one of those people who bruise more easily than others, this was a sustained and shocking attack."

In mitigation, Kate Freemantle said Talbot accepted a prison sentence was inevitable and he had found it difficult to come to terms with the assault.

"It wasn't an unprovoked attack but no level of provocation can justify these injuries.

"The assault was out of character and the explanation for his behaviour may in part come from his misuse of alcohol and mental health difficulties."

She added: "This wasn't a violent relationship from the outset. It disintegrated into one and he has no desire of a reconciliation."