A MAN who had denied carrying out a violent attack on his partner has pleaded guilty to the assault.

Mark Butler appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday charged with one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a woman.

The 35-year-old of Old Station Yard, Abingdon, had denied any wrong-doing and a trial date had been pencilled in for September 21.

In a last minute change of heart Butler pleaded guilty at yesterday’s hearing to the single count.

Butler carried out the assault on his partner on August 11 last year in the Littlemore area of Oxford.

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The court heard Butler had been in a relationship with his victim and that there had been an ‘unhappy history’ between them.

Following the assault the woman suffered bruising, lacerations, as well as a chipped tooth.

It was also revealed that Butler has a record for previous violent offences.

After the guilty plea had been entered presiding Judge Ian Pringle QC agreed to adjourn the case.

The matter was delayed so that the victim can complete a ‘victim personal statement’ and a restraining order can be prepared.

Butler will be sentenced at the same court on Friday June 5 and he was remanded in custody.