GYM-GOER David Cliffe claimed he carried out three attacks on his girlfriend because steroid abuse made him violent.

The 35-year-old had no previous convictions for violence when he assaulted Maria Cartlidge during their on-off relationship.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday heard Cliffe had split up and reconciled with Miss Cartlidge several times when they got into a fight at their flat in Wolstanton on September 5 last year.

Neil Ahuja, prosecuting, said: "The defendant began punching her to the face.

"He followed her to the bathroom where he punched her twice in the stomach.

"The defendant threw a set of metal bathroom scales at her, which hit her on the side.

"He urinated on her while she was in the bath."

Miss Cartlidge was taken to hospital and treated for internal bleeding. She also had two black eyes and bruising to her face and body.

Miss Cartlidge continued her relationship with Cliffe, who went on to assault her twice further on October 7.

Cliffe, of The Fillybrooks, Stone, admitted three charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Joanne Wallbanks, defending, said: "He had become involved in steroid abuse, which made him act completely out of character."

Judge Paul Glenn sentenced Cliffe to 22 months in prison and imposed an indefinite restraining order banning contact with Miss Cartlidge.