An Isle of Wight man who punched his ex-partner in a prolonged physical attack, causing her to fall on their three-month-old baby, has been sentenced.

Harry Downer, of Windmill Lane, Freshwater, was previously found guilty of an assault against a woman by beating and causing damage to her mobile phone on January 9 – later admitting to an additional charge of failing to appear in court – and attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Friday, November 24.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the 23-year-old had been in a relationship with the woman for three years, which ended when their child was three months old.

Ms Stone said, that on the day in question, an arrangement was made by the child’s mother to go to Downer’s home to collect their daughter.

On her arrival, Downer was lighting up a cannabis joint while the child was in the living room, and she confronted him about it, court heard.

Ms Stone told the court Downer reacted by putting his lit point towards her, just touching her eyelashes, then attacked her – pushing her, then punching her face, causing her to fall to the floor and land on top of their daughter.

The court heard that no injury was caused to the baby, but the mother, with blood streaming down her face, tried to call police, but Downer continued to punch her, snatched her phone and smashed it to the floor – causing £230 damage.

In a police interview, Downer accepted he was smoking cannabis but told officers it was his daughter, and he could do whatever he wanted in front of her.

Nick Muir, defending, said his client ‘feels absolutely terrible’, suggesting he has ‘a lack of maturity’.

Mr Muir said Downer failed to attend his trial on September 20 because he overslept and later handed himself in to police.

Magistrates handed Downer an 18-month community order to include 30 rehabilitation days, a learning programme and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Downer was also made subject to a three-year restraining order and must pay £230 compensation and a £114 surcharge.