A MAN who broke his partner’s nose by throwing a piece of wood at her has been told he could be sent to jail.

Andrew Harris pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

The Crown Prosecution Service accepted a basis of plea that Harris, of Queens Estate, Wichenford, near Worcester, had not intended to hit Samantha Owen with the wood. The court was also told that Miss Owen had retracted her statement.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said the pair had been to the Camp House Inn in Grimley on Friday, Septem-ber 30, and returned home.

An argument broke out at about 7.30pm and Harris stormed out of the house. He was “drunk and aggressive”, Mr Dodson said.

Miss Owen followed him outside and was hit in the face with something wooden.

Mr Dodson said: “She could feel a lot of blood pouring out and was in a lot of pain.”

Harris, aged 28, called an ambulance. It was later revealed her nose was broken. In his basis of plea, Harris admitted he caused the injury, but said it was an accident. He said he threw the piece of wood not knowing Miss Owen had followed him outside. He accepted his actions were reckless.

Brian O’Connell, defending, said Harris had no previous convictions for violence and the couple were still together. Deputy district judge Nigel Cadbury said he was not sure if his sentencing powers were sufficient. He said: “This is very serious. A weapon was used and injury was caused.”

Mr Cadbury adjourned the case for a report to be prepared. He said the case may still be sent to crown court for sentencing. Harris will reappear at court on Monday, November 28.