A TERRIFIED woman had to flee barefoot from her home after her partner launched a terrifying attack on her with a metal pole.

Unprovoked Owen Francis Maughan rained blows down upon the body, face and head of his girlfriend on June 23 last year after the pair had been drinking at home and watching a film.

Judge David Potter told Preston Crown Court that there was ‘little or no prospect’ of rehabilitation for the 34-year-old, who had previously served time in jail for attacking the same woman with an umbrella.

Sentencing Maughan to two years in jail, Judge Potter said: “I note from the pre-sentence report that you are at significant risk of reoffending and pose a risk to causing significant harm to members of the public.

“That is due to your record and the fact you have a long-standing misuse of alcohol – that being at the core of our offending.

“Your counsel has stated that you have shown remorse towards the injuries you caused but I find that difficult to reconcile due to the fact you contested this matter at trial.

“This offence is so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is justified.”

Prosecuting, Beth Pilling said the victim was found by officers with visible injuries after fleeing from her Blackburn home.

Ms Pilling said: “The pair had been drinking and watching a film and the victim said that just after midnight the defendant for no apparent reason picked up a metal pole and began to hit her around the face, head and body around 15 times. She had a burst lip and bruising to her face and body.

“She managed to escape by climbing out of the ground floor bedroom window and running to a payphone where she contacted the police. The police found the victim without shoes on and clearly with visible injuries. When they attended the defendant had left the flat and she was taken to hospital.”

Miss Pilling added that the victim had not made a statement but had spoken about her fears over her former partner, including the fact she was worried he may one day kill her.

Maughan, of Ruthin Close, Blackburn, denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm but was found guilty in a trial at the magistrates court. Defending, Anna Chestnutt said Maughan had shown genuine remorse. Sentencing Maughan, of Ruthin Close, Blackburn, Judge Potter said: “It is most fortunate indeed that not more serious injuries were received.”