Splinters of a ceramic pot had to be removed from a man’s head after his girlfriend hit him with it, smashing it to pieces.

Terence Beard had a five centimetre cut that was likely to leave a scar, prosecutor Alison May told Truro magistrates.

The girlfriend, Sara Ann Carlyle, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm on January 3 at Falmouth.

Carlyle, aged 46, of Longfield, Falmouth, had been his girlfriend for about six months said Ms May. There had been problems recently with Carlyle having difficulties with finance and family matters, and getting very stressed about it.

She struggled with alcohol and had hit Mr Beard once before when she was drunk but he said he had not reported it because she apologised.

On January 3 they had both slept after drinking, when she then started shouting about money she wanted.

After she hit him with the ceramic vase Mr Beard had to have five staples put in his wound.

He told the police: “I am willing to attend court if this means she gets the help she needs. I love her and will welcome her back if she gets custody.”

Carlyle’s solicitor Dieter Kehler explained her problems to the magistrates, saying they included bereavement and custody difficulties.

She suffered from depression and in an attempt to forget about her troubles she had turned to drink.

She had previous convictions for battery and shoplifting. She was now getting help and making very good progress.

Carlyle was sent to Truro Crown Court for sentence on June 4.