Christine CunninghamA jealous Norwich man who attacked a woman he met through the internet has been given a last chance and ordered to keep away from the victim for then next five years.Christine Cunningham

A jealous Norwich man who attacked a woman he met through the internet has been given a last chance and ordered to keep away from the victim for then next five years.

Norwich Crown Court heard that Gary Dakin 44, attacked Diane Fairbrother after another male friend turned up to visit her.

Douglas Mackay, prosecuting, said after the friend was made to leave Dakin had argued with Ms Fairbrother and had pulled her hair and slapped her across the face.

He said Ms Fairbrother had fallen to the ground and suffered a black eye and cut to her head from which she lost two litres of blood. Mr Mackay said that Ms Fairbrother was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and kept in for observation.

In an impact statement Ms Fairbrother said she suffered a lump to her head and from headaches as a result of what happened and had to have time off work costing her more than �500 in lost earnings. She also had difficulty sleeping and suffered flashbacks about what happened and had to throw away a �200 carpet because it was bloodstained.

Mr Mackay said that Dakin was arrested at his home in Bullard Road, Old Catton, and it was found that he had five cannabis plants which he was growing for his own use.

Dakin admitted causing actual bodily harm to Ms Fairbrother and producing cannabis. The court heard he had a previous conviction for growing cannabis and had also been involved in a public order offence involving another partner.

Judge Paul Downes jailed Dakin for 12 months suspended for two years and placed him on a two year supervision order under which he must attend a programme to deal with domestic abuse. He also banned him from contacting Ms Fairbrother or going anywhere near her home for the next five years.

Judge Downes warned him: 'It's the last time you get this chance.'

Guy Ayers for Dakin said he and Ms Fairbrother had been drinking that day and he accepted that he was 'tetchy.'

'He has accepted getting hold of her hair and slapping her.'

Mr Ayers said that after this Ms Fairbrtother had fallen to the floor and had banged her head which had caused the injury. He said that Dakin needed help to deal with difficult situations.