A MAN who broke a restraining order and hit a woman three times has been given a 11-month suspended sentence by a judge.

Andrew Bennett, of Perry Court, Cwmbran, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court earlier today, after pleading guilty to harassment and assault by beating.

Andrew Kendall, prosecuting, said the incident involved a woman who had a restraining order.

The pair had met to discuss thousands of pounds Bennett owed her.

On February 5, last year, the pair went back to the woman’s home, where the 55-year-old started “helping himself to alcohol” and “throwing things around the kitchen”, Mr Kendall said.

Following this, he “forcefully” hit the woman with an open palm three times.

From February 5 to 12, 2016, Bennett rang the woman 134 times and later put a poster up in the woman’s workplace displaying personal details.

A victim impact statement added that the woman “felt like he was following her [....] and that she wants to get on with her life”.

Bennett has nine previous convictions for 20 offences including multiple instances of breaking a restraining order, the court was also told.

Lawrence Jones, defending, said that the woman invited Bennett to her home “seeking to manipulate the (restraining order)” and that his client disputes the money owed.

He also said Bennett is receiving treatment for a serious health condition and that his risk of reoffending is low.

Recorder Greg Bull QC, referencing the incident in the woman’s workplace, said: “It was a disgraceful act that you should be thoroughly ashamed of.”

He added: “It was not your first breach of an order [...] court orders are made in order to be obeyed.”

In sentencing, the judge said he was satisfied that Bennett was “not well” but that his previous convictions were an aggravating factor.

Bennett was sentenced to 11 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to attend a group course. He must also abide by a 9pm to 7am curfew.

The judge also ordered him to undertake a 20-day rehabilitation order.