A MAN who forced his partner to flee to a hostel for battered women beat her up again when she returned home.

Lee Welling, aged 24, of no fixed address, then beat up a security officer at a Lewisham hostel while he was on bail, Croydon Crown Court heard.

Prosecuting, Stanley Hughes said Welling had known Donna Reiley for three years and had fathered her child, but they had a stormy and violent relationship. After several beatings she had fled to a refuge for battered women, but eventually returned home to Tranquil Rise, in Erith.

On September 16, Welling got into her flat through an open window saying he had nowhere to stay. Miss Reiley told him she wanted him to go. Mr Hughes said Welling then became aggressive, head-butting and kicking Miss Reiley.

She ran to a nearby supermarket where staff called the police. Welling was arrested but given bail.

He was found accommodation in Lewisham but was asked to leave because he was drunk and breaking the rules. He attacked one of the staff, punching and kicking him.

Defending, Kerim Fuad said Welling had been mentally upset since the murder of his sister in Ireland. He said Welling had a drink problem which caused his behaviour.

Welling admitted two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 10 months.