A MAN with a history of violence beat up a love rival after finding him in his flat with his girlfriend, a court heard.

Edward Goodman suffered cuts to his face and head, multiple fractured ribs and a broken collarbone.

David Learmonth, who already had 32 convictions for 52 offences over seven years, admitted one count of causing grievous bodily harm on the morning of his trial.

Yesterday, he was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court, but avoided jail.

Lori Tucker, prosecuting, told the court the incident took place on January 2 last year.

She said Learmonth, 28, of Vineyard Street, Colchester, found Mr Goodman “with his trousers and pants off” with Learmonth’s girlfriend.

She said: “The defendant walked into the flat and said ‘How can you do this to me with someone like that’ and began punching him hard about the head.

How Mr Goodman came to have his other injuries, be found lying in a town centre street and have to be rushed to hospital is not clear, the court heard.

Learmonth was arrested and at first denied any involvement until Mr Goodman’s blood was found on him.

Learmonth then claimed he had been attacked, but then admitted the charge on February 27.

Gareth Hughes, mitigating, said: “He is starting to develop a desire to change.”

Recorder Ian Evans said: “This is a crime which would require an immediate custodial sentence.

“You have not shown any remorse.

“The fact you see violence as a means to resolve problems you indicated to the probation officer you recognise. You need to learn how to walk away.

“It is not helpful you were verbally abusive to your probation officer who was trying to help but rather than send you to prison I am going to take a more structured approach.”

He was jailed for a year but this was suspended for 18 months.

He will have to take part in 50 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours unpaid work.

He was also warned he could be jailed next time.