A MAN who assaulted a woman while an 18-month-old child was present has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Sean Christopher Scott, of Exeley, Whiston, was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the attack which took place in Sutton Manor.

Scott assaulted a woman in a property in Sutton Manor on Saturday, June 20 of this year.

He indicated a guilty plea at Merseyside Magistrates' Court when he appeared two days later.

Scott, 24, was sentenced at the court in July.

He was given a 20-weeks prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

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According to a court sheet Scott was given a custodial sentence because the offence so serious due to a "sustained level of violence and degradation perpetrated" against the victim.

It adds this was "aggravated by the presence" of an 18-month child during the assault.

However, Scott was spared an immediate jail term. It was said "the defendant's guilty plea, obvious remorse, willingness to co-operate with probation services and address mental health issues, provide sufficient grounds to suspend immediate imprisonment".

Scott must comply with requirements during a 12-month supervision period.

These include undertaking the Building Better Relationships programme for 29 days and he must carry out up to a maximum of

20 days' rehabilitation activity.

A restraining order was made for two years.

Scott was also ordered to pay compensation of £400.