A CHEF who smeared his partner’s blood over their flat during a terrifying, alcohol-fuelled two-hour attack has escaped being locked up.

Romanian restaurant worker Marius Paduraru from Charminster Road, Bournemouth, admitted assaulting the woman, causing her actual bodily harm, in the early hours of March 24.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Anita Gibson-Lee said violence had flared after 29-year-old Paduraru returned home following an all-day drinking binge.

“His victim wasn’t there when he arrived; she had gone for a walk but when she returned there was an argument,” she said.

Miss Gibson-Lee told the court how Paduraru had repeatedly punched and kicked his victim about the face, causing a cut to her chin and severe facial bruising.

She added: “The assault occurred, off and on, over two hours. Mr Paduraru smeared blood from the complainant around the flat. It wasn’t until he fell asleep that she was able to escape and call the police.”

Officers used incapacitant spray to restrain Paduraru and arrest him. His victim, who was suffering from chicken pox at the time, was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.

Miss Gibson-Lee said: “Thankfully there were no broken bones. On the day of the incident his victim came back to the flat and removed her belongings. In a statement she said she might return to Romania. Police have been unable to locate her since.”

In Paduraru’s defence, the court heard that he admitted “acting like an animal” and fully accepted his former partner’s version of events.

During their two-year relationship there had never been any other incidents of domestic abuse and he was a man of previous good character.

Imposing a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordering Paduraru to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, Judge Christopher Harvey Clark QC told him: “You behaved quite outrageously. You beat up your partner and it would seem she has left you as a result. I’m not surprised by that.

“If you should come before me again I will not be sympathetic.

“You are being given a chance.

“Make sure you take that opportunity.”