MAGISTRATES described as a "nasty offence" the case of a man who beat up his girlfriend in the middle of Newport.

Harry Gaskin, 21, admitted assault by beating when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said the couple had been on a night out in Newport when at around 1.45am in St Thomas's Square, it all went wrong.

Gaskin wasn't making any sense and suddenly hit his girlfriend, making her fall off a bench.

He continued to hit her until a man came over to stop the attack.

The victim walked round to Bitesize takeaway on St James's Square and called her dad and Gaskin's mum.

Gaskin and the victim were collected and driven home, with Gaskin "screaming and shouting all the way," Miss Miller said.

He was arrested at his home address at Avenue Road, Sandown.

Oscar Vincent, for Gaskin, said the relationship between Gaskin and his girlfriend "remains positive" and the incident was "very much out of character".

He was a man of good character and is an apprentice carpenter, working for the victim's dad.

Mr Vincent said Gaskin values his relationship with his girlfriend and sees a future in it.

Gaskin was given a 12-month community order, to include 15 rehabilitation days.

He must pay a £100 fine, £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.