A MAN has been jailed for headbutting his girlfriend after she spoke to one of her male neighbours.

Gareth Price was out in Rudheath with his then partner on June 14 earlier this year when she began chatting to a man who lives nearby her.

The 40-year-old walked off but when the woman caught up to him he became aggressive and attacked her, causing bruising to her nose and around her eyes.

The victim ran home to get away and didn't hear from Price until June 16, when she showed up at her door asking for a SIM card.

She told Price to get his clothes and leave, but he refused to do so and again became aggressive.

He pinned her down on the bed and dug his finger into her eye, making further threats to harm her.

Gareth PriceGareth Price (Image: Cheshire Police)

Managing to push him off, the victim alerted a family member who called the police, with officers arresting Price in New Warrington Road later that day.

Price, of no fixed abode in Winnington, was charged with one count of assault by beating and one of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, both of which he denied.

He was found guilty of both offences on August 5 and appeared at Chester Crown Court on October 21 for sentencing.

Recorder Eric Lamb sentenced Price to a total of three years in jail and imposed an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting his victim by any means.

Price is also banned from entering a specified address in Northwich.