A MAN attacked his girlfriend just 16 days after being released from prison, Winchester Crown Court heard.

Michelle Clarke described how Gary Hudson went drinking with Hannah Cove before they got into a row. He then pushed her against a bridge three times before damaging a passing car.

She was mitigating on behalf of the 24-year-old, who admitted common assault and causing damage.

Judge Jane Miller QC, who further remanded him in custody for sentence on July 24, heard it was the second time that Hudson had been involved in domestic violence. On a previous occasion, he was served with a restraining order as a result of an incident with another woman.

Hudson, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to a third allegation of causing actual bodily harm to Ms Cove, which was accepted by the prosecution.