Pleading not to be sent to prison for attacking the girl he loved “more than anything else in the world” a Penryn man said he had everything and did not want it all to come to nothing.

His girlfriend Shannon Holland had refused to make a statement to the police against Toby Campbell, aged 22, of St Thomas Street, and at Truro Magistrates’ Court CPS prosecutor Graham Calderwood said he was relying on CCTV evidence which showed the attack taking place in a Falmouth street.

A passerby had been so concerned at what was going on between the pair he called the police, and it took door staff from a nearby club to restrain Campbell until officers arrived. Campbell, a factory worker, pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms Holland on September 27.

Mr Calderwood said after they had been arguing, Campbell grabbed Ms Holland round the neck, forcing her backwards and upwards into a shop window, and then kneed her in the ribs. She was doubled up and still being held when he gave her “a huge uppercut punch” to her middle.

Using the force of his entire body weight he pushed her in the air, causing her to fall to the ground and roll over, banging her head on the pavement. He then grabbed her by her clothing and lifted her off the ground, when he was held back by the door staff.

His solicitor Paul Simons said he had been incredulous at the CCTV footage. Fortunately his girlfriend had had no serious injuries and was in court to support him. When questioned by the police he said he was upset and surprised to see on camera what he had done. He had previous convictions.

His solicitor Paul Simons said he had been incredulous at the CCTV footage. Campbell told the magistrates: “I did not know what I had done until I saw CCTV and I felt sick. I love that girl more than anything else in this world and would not dream of hurting her.” #

Campbell was given a 16 week prison sentence suspended for two years and told to undertake a drink help programme.