A thug with a history of domestic violence has been sentenced for assaulting his partner - appearing in the dock two days before they were due to be married.

Angelo Bastianelli and Amanda Richmond decided to postpone the wedding because of the case.

But despite the fact he has even beaten up his own mother on a previous occasion, Bastianelli has now been freed after a judge said he none of his “characteristics” would be addressed in prison.

The 37-year-old, formerly of Rock Avenue, Gillingham, denied assault causing actual bodily harm but was convicted last month.

Miss Richmond refused to support the prosecution and claimed a black eye was caused by her autistic son.

Bastianelli, now of Realgar Court, Sittingbourne, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to attend a domestic abuse programme.

Maidstone Crown Court heard there was a row after Miss Richmond went home and found Bastianelli asleep in a pool of sick with a bottle of brandy by him.

“You attacked your previous wife. Thereafter you breached a restraining order. You previously assaulted Miss Richmond. You assaulted your own mother.” - Recorder Jason Dunn-Shaw

He attacked her and she called for help, A neighbour saw her emerge with bruising and bleeding to her mouth.

After conviction he was remanded in custody, he made an unsuccessful bail application to enable them to sign the necessary forms to be married.

Alex Rooke, defending, said Miss Richmond made a statement saying she felt responsible for what happened.

“She called him a waste of space,” he said. “He went berserk. She later grabbed a knife. He accepts he reacted very badly.

“He wants to marry Miss Richmond. The wedding was booked for August 22. They cancelled it. It was unwise to do so in the first place.

“They are very much together and wish to work together to improve their relationship.”

Recorder Jason Dunn-Shaw told Bastianelli: “You were in a rage. What actually happened in the house we cannot know in terms.

“There were injuries, specifically a black eye. I am satisfied you caused that by punching her.

“You have resumed your relationship and intend to marry. The wisdom of that is not something upon which I should comment.

“The fact is you have an appalling record of violence of a domestic nature. You attacked your previous wife.

“Thereafter you breached a restraining order. You previously assaulted Miss Richmond. You assaulted your own mother.”

The judge admitted that if he did not send Bastianelli to jail he would be “failing in my duty to protect the wider public”.

But he added that Bastianelli would benefit from supervision with a programme requirement.

He warned: “If you breach the terms you will go to prison.”

If you are or know a victim of domestic violence you can call the national helpline in confidance: 0800 2000 247