A MAN with a history of violence accused of punching and kicking a mum to the head, and hitting a stranger when he tried to intervene, was jailed for two years on Friday.

Caernarfon crown court heard Jason Lee Roberts, 30, of North Road, Caernarfon, used a “volley-type kick” when he booted Helena Foulkes in the face with force. She had a broken nose, two black eyes, and severe swelling among her injuries.

Judge Huw Rees said, in May, Roberts had been to a wedding and carried on drinking in pubs at Caernarfon.

In Bridge Street he had punched his girlfriend and her friend Miss Foulkes.

When Miss Foulkes was on the ground “in a cowardly way you kicked her to the face,” the judge told the defendant.

“This was shocking violence on the streets of Caernarfon,” Judge Rees declared.

Brave onlooker Luke Phillips intervened but Roberts took up a boxing stance and hit him to the floor.

Judge Rees told Roberts : "You have a long list of relevant previous convictions for violence. You have a formidable record against various people including police officers and, unbelievably, a referee in a football match. Drugs and alcohol don’t contribute in any positive way to your lifestyle.”

Roberts pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. He also admitted common assault and was under a suspended sentence.

Prosecuting counsel Elen Owen said Miss Foulkes was taken to hospital and the mother of three’s children had been affected by seeing her injuries. She had been off work as a health assistant, was starting counselling and had nightmares.

A seven-year restraining order bans Roberts from contacting her.

Sion ap Mihangel, defending, said at long last it seemed Roberts recognised he had a problem with alcohol and drugs. He’d been diagnosed with a personality disorder.

Roberts had little memory of what happened and was sorry for his loss of control.