An abusive boyfriend tried to strangle his partner and broke her jaw and a finger before fleeing the scene.

Dean Simmons, 34, was found cowering behind a bin after the attack at around 5am on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

Simmons was jailed for seven years at St Albans Crown Court on Friday (March 1) after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent.

The savage attack took place at the couple’s home in Chalk Hill, Oxhey, when Simmons, who was drunk, became aggressive.

He threw his girlfriend to the floor, tried to strangle her and punched her in the face.

The woman’s jaw was broken in two places, her nose was injured, and she suffered several cuts and bruises.

Her right ear was partially torn off and Simmons also broke one of her fingers while prising her phone out of her hand.

She has been left with lasting nerve damage.

The victim was found in the street outside the house by passers-by.

Simmons fled the scene but was found cowering behind a bin nearby by an off-duty Special Constable.

Detective Sergeant Gordon King said: “Simmons started off being drunk and aggressive towards his victim on the night.

“This spiralled into a sustained attack on her that was vicious and cruel, and left her with lasting nerve damage.

“I would like to commend her for her courage and bravery, not only on the night of the attack but throughout the investigation and court case.

“I hope the jailing of Simmons brings her some comfort.

“This case shows we take domestic abuse very seriously and the horrific abuse displayed by Simmons will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire.”

Anyone affected by domestic abuse in Hertfordshire can get guidance and support via the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline 08 088 088 088 or by visiting the Herts Sunflower website www.HertsSunflower.org.