A MAN who hit his partner on the head with a ceramic jug later told police not to believe her as women 'had small brains', a court heard.

Mohamad Samer Marwan Sanan, 40, of Melbourne Street, Newport, was ordered by magistrates to complete work with the probation service on domestic abuse and his attitudes towards women after admitting the assault on October 9 this year.

At a hearing at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Monday, the bench was told the couple were Syrian refugees who had moved to the Isle of Wight 18 months ago.

Sanan's partner had called police after the couple had a row.

When they arrived, she told them Sanan had struck her head with the jug.

He had also put his hand over her mouth to prevent her from screaming.

Her face had been left swollen and appeared bruised and there were also marks on her arms, said Ann Smout, prosecuting.

Sanan told police a woman had moved into the couple's house a few months previously after having difficulties with her own husband.

Prior to her arriving, Sanan's partner did not realise she could call the police if she had a problem with her husband.

Since then, every time they argued, she threatened to call the police, he told officers.

He said he suffered from bi-polar disorder and, during the argument, his wife had been provoking him.

She had blocked a door and when he tried to move her out of the way, she bit his finger, causing such pain he struck her on the head to get her off.

He had also poured water over her to keep her quiet.

When asked why his partner would lie about being struck with a jug, he replied 'because women have small brains'.

For Sanan, Oscar Vincent said his client and partner had come to the UK in May, 2017 as refugees escaping the Syrian conflict.

He said: "This is a family that lost everything, their home, their livelihoods and contact with extended family."

A letter from Sanan's partner, who did not support the prosecution, said the couple constantly heard bad things about Syria about the death and destruction there.

Sanan had a history of mental illness and during his police interview, had wanted to go home and beg for forgiveness, added Mr Vincent.

Sanan was sentenced to a 12 month community order, fined £80 and told to pay a surcharge of £85 and £35 costs.