A man bit his partners face and held her down so hard she could not breathe over a "petty" argument about Christmas dinner. 

Gregory Houslin, of St Albans Road, Watford, was sentenced to two years in prison on Monday April 9, after he admitted actual bodily harm at St Albans Crown Court.

He bit his partner’s face and pushed her down into a bed so she could not breathe at house in Oakmere Avenue, Potters Bar, on Christmas Day.

Houslin then punched her and hit her head against a sink, which caused significant injuries to her head and face.

The case was investigated by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit (DAISU).

Detective Constable Emily Stelling said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on a woman following from a petty argument on Christmas Day.

“He has showed no remorse for his actions and even tried to get the victim to retract her statement against him. His sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions.”

If anyone is being affected by domestic abuse they should visit www.hertssunflower.org or speak to someone from the Herts Domestic Abuse helpline in confidence for free help, advice and support on 08 088 088 088.

In an emergency situation, always call 999.