A man who hit a woman has avoided jail.

Colin Fredericks, 60, of The Paddock, Calmore, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (August 6).

This comes after a string of incidents, including last August when he struck a woman, the court heard.

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The court heard how Fredericks struck her, causing her a minor cut.

He also 'took out his anger' on furniture, the court was told.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating, criminal damage, sexual assault, and harassment without violence.

Being sentenced by Judge Parker KC he was given a two-month suspended sentence for 18 months.

He was also given a restraining order for 18 months, was put on the sex offender's register for 18 months and made to pay £75 in compensation.