A cowardly bully who seared a woman with hair straighteners after repeatedly beating her in a sustained attack has been jailed for 16 months.

Fabio Paulo, of Hawkinge, unleashed the harrowing attack, which left her with 13 separate injuries, inside her home after she refused to hand over £500.

The 28-year-old kicked and punched his victim while demanding money, however, when she refused he plugged in the straighteners and burnt the skin on her shoulder.

She was treated in hospital for more than a dozen injuries, including an imprint on the back of her shoulder where Paulo stamped on her.

The thug would later phone the woman’s family and send pictures of her injuries in an attempt to obtain the money.

But Paulo was soon arrested after assaulting the woman – who was known to him – at her home in Eastbourne, East Sussex, on Saturday, March 18.

Initially, he fled the scene when police arrived, stealing the woman’s mobile phone in the process, but was soon tracked down and arrested.

Paulo was subsequently charged with assault, blackmail and theft and remanded in custody.

He was sentenced to a total of 16 months imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on July 26 after pleading guilty to all three offences at an earlier hearing.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187 and was given a five-year restraining order against the victim.

Detective Police Constable Sam Collyer said: “This was a horrific attack on a vulnerable woman in her own home, a place she should feel most safe.

“I would like to commend her for her incredible bravery throughout the investigation and court process and hope she can now move forward and rebuild her life knowing she has made a difference.

“Sussex Police will continue to work with victims and witnesses who come forward to report allegations to us. And we urge anyone who has been a victim of any form of abuse to come forward. We will listen to you and we will support you.”