by Keith Hunt

An epileptic woman found dead at her Dartford home had been severely beaten by her alcoholic partner, a court heard.

Steven Stallion punched Vicky Tomsett at least seven times to her head and face, causing bleeding to the brain, it was alleged.

Stallion called the emergency services shortly after midnight on October 20 2007 saying Miss Tomsett, who was 36, must have suffered an epileptic fit and fallen out of bed.

Alan Kent QC, prosecuting, told Maidstone Crown Court: "The prosecution case is this defendant killed Vicky Tomsett. We say he repeatedly punched her to the head and face.

"He denies having any involvement whatsoever in her death. His case is essentially this was a tragic accident that happened while he was not even in the room."

Paramedics arrived at the flat at Sheridan Court in St Edmunds Road, Temple Hill, to find Miss Tomsett lying naked on the bedroom floor.

Mr Kent said it was a stormy seven-year relationship characterised by violence and alcohol. Some residents referred to them as "the alkies".

"The assault that caused her death was sadly another assault in a long history of domestic violence," said Mr Kent.

Stallion, 46, denies murder. The trial continues.