A man twice punched his girlfriend in the face during an argument over his phone which involved him being bottled over the head.

Ashley Osbourne, 25, was sentenced in court after pleading guilty to injuring his ex, in an attack which left her unable to see through one eye because her face had swollen so much.

The Newtown man was given a two-year community order and ordered to stay away from her for the next couple of years.

Welshpool Magistrates' Court heard that the pair had a heated argument on September 14 where she took Osbourne's phone and accused him of sending messages to another woman.

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Prosecutor Helen Tench told the court that the victim was "distressed" and started punching Osbourne. As she continued to follow him, he landed a "heavy" punch to her face leaving her in tears. 

She then picked up a wine bottle and struck the back of Osbourne's head. He responded by punching her in the face again.

The court then heard that Osbourne attended to the victim and asked for his phone back, but she refused. Osbourne then left the property in Vaynor and drove a red Ford Focus without the owner's consent to his sister's house.

The victim said in a statement read out in court that Osbourne was "so aggressive and violent" that she no longer wanted to remain in a relationship with him and asked the court for a restraining order.

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Robert Hanratty, in mitigation, said the pair were in an "unfortunate" relationship.

"Striking out in the manner that he did was entirely unacceptable," Mr Hanratty said.

"The visual impact of the injuries is greater than the physical impact of them.

"The Newton hearing clearly reflected an argument was initiated by the complainant that got out of control that resulted in two blows.

"There are no long-lasting injuries, but it was very unfortunate.

"He is ashamed by it."

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Osbourne, of Lon Dolafon, Newtown, was ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation requirement days to address his anger and relationships, and 120 hours of unpaid work as part of his two-year community order.

The 25-year-old must not contact his ex or go near Cwm Eglwys and Lon Glanyrafon for the next two years.

He was disqualified from driving for six months after pleading guilty to taking a vehicle without the owner's consent.

Osbourne must also pay the court £699 which includes £500 compensation, £85 court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.