A WOMAN who spent two days in hospital after an attack by her partner wrote to court pleading for him not to be sent to prison.

Former policeman David Sherwin had an alcohol problem and both he, and Jane Fenton, were drinking heavily before the assault at her Darwen home, Preston Crown Court was told.

But the woman had since written to say she did not want him to be sent to prison.

A judge placed the 49-year-old man on two years' community rehabilitation, telling him: "It is sad indeed to see a man with your record of service to the country in the position in which you now find yourself."

Sherwin, of Broadoak, Penwortham, pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful wounding.

Miss Lisa Boocock, prosecuting, said the couple had been drinking heavily since the weekend before the wounding, on October 22.

Jane Fenton later stated that he had begun to punch her in the face. Police were called and looked through the window to see the defendant holding her in a headlock.

He opened the door and officers discovered Miss Fenton had bruising and cuts to the face.

In police interview Sherwin admitted there had been an incident, saying he could not remember much. But he admitted hitting his partner several times.

She spent around two days in hospital, having suffered bruising to the eye and left arm and mouth cuts which needed 10 stitches.

Sherwin had no previous convictions.

Mr Keith Thomas, defending, said Sherwin had held jobs in the navy and the police force in the past.

He said he was devastated by what had taken place and a broken man.

"If ever a case showed what the demon drink can do, here it is. He has lost everything, in effect."

He said the relationship was now over, but the woman did not want him to be sent into custody. She felt he needed help and not punishment.

"He has sought in the past to rid himself of the demon drink. He has not had a drop of drink since the offence," added Mr Thomas.