February 22, 2001 15:04: A VICIOUS drug abuser who burnt his girlfriend with an iron has been jailed for three years.

Michael Lagan, 28, pleaded guilty to seven charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of affray and one of common assault at Aylesbury Crown Court last Friday.

Victim Joanne Brown, 27, had been punched and kicked unconscious, dragged by her hair, hit with the handle of a hammer and stabbed in the arm with a screwdriver in previous attacks the court heard.

Jane Alt, prosecuting, said Miss Brown had forgiven her lover for many beatings but finally supported police action after she was burnt on the back with an iron.

Miss Alt said the violence had occurred at the couple's home in Philps Close, Lane End, and sometimes at the houses of friends where Miss Brown had sought refuge in the wake of the vicious attacks.

Miss Alt added that Lagan had initially been amiable and caring but had become more violent through drink and drug abuse.

Paul Reid, defending, said Lagan, who appeared smartly dressed and shamefaced in the dock, was unrecognisable as the person who had committed the offences.

He added: "His victim appears to be a very forgiving lady but the fact she went back to him is no excuse.

"He can remember very little about the period of time with which the court is dealing.

"He was clearly wrecked with drink and drugs but he bitterly regrets what he has done."

Lagan, he told the court, has since taken strenuous steps to cure himself and was presently completely clear of drugs.

Jailing Lagan for three years and three months, Judge Roger Connor said: "The fact that the lady declined in the early stages to complain about you or to give evidence against you and the fact that she chose to return to live with you not withstanding your appalling behaviour, is no mitigation."

Matthew Harris