A man who punched a pregnant woman and threatened her unborn child has been sentenced.

Liam John Elmy, of Parc An Tansys, Pengegon, Camborne also grabbed the woman by her hair, smashed her face into a window several times and when she refused to agree to his demands he threatened to hit her even harder, the court heard.

He threw her to the ground when she begged him to leave and then threw his mobile phone at her, which hit her right eye causing it to bleed.

Magistrates sitting at Bodmin Magistrates' Court told 27-year-old Elmy: "It was only by good fortune that the injury she sustained was not worse than that which occurred."

The bench was told that the main part of the assault took place within the hearing and sight of members of the public.

Elmy pleaded guilty to beating causing actual bodily harm in Camborne on February 3 this year.

He was given a 16-week prison sentence, which was then suspended for two years.

Magistrates told him: "Your previous convictions show a propensity for violence and a failure to respond to non-custodial sentences."

Elmy must take part in a two-year supervision period in which he must complete a 32-day Building Better Relationships programme.

He must also pay a £122 surcharge to the court, to fund victim services, and £85 prosecution costs.

During the same court sitting, Elmy also pleaded guilty to destroying a £70 double glazed window, belonging to the same victim, on May 11 this year.

He was ordered to pay £70 in compensation to the woman, but no costs or surcharge.

A charge of beating the woman in Camborne on May 11 was withdrawn.