A DOMESTIC violence abuser was spared a prison sentence after repeatedly striking a woman outside a popular seafront restaurant.

Karl Akehurst punched his partner near the White Cliffs cafe and grill in Saltdean.

The 31-year-old admitted the assault when he appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court last month.

He attacked the woman, who The Argus is choosing not to name, on December 12 last year.

Akehurst had already been sent to prison for an assault on the same woman, the court heard.

District Judge Amanda Kelly said that because the Saltdean attack pre-dated the prison sentence, there was no point in sending him back to prison.

She said Akehurst, of Montpelier Street, Brighton, has made progress with the probation service since his prison release.

The judge said it was a serious attack which had been witnessed by members of the public, but the victim had not supported the prosecution.

Akehurst was given a 16-week suspended sentence and was put under a restraining order not to contact the victim.

The order lasts until May next year, and Akehurst must also pay a £128 surcharge and £85 costs.