A violent domestic abuser who punched a woman in the face at her home in Croydon has been jailed.

Phillip Mensah, 35, of Rowan Lea, Chatham, was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment yesterday, after being found guilty of attacking two women.

Croydon Crown Court heard how in April and May this year, Mensah breached the terms of a criminal behaviour order by persistently contacting and threatening a women he knew.

During this period, he physically assaulted her, punching and slapping her following an argument about her driving.

In May Mensah attended the Croydon address of another woman he knew.

Following an argument he became violent, punching the woman in the face before stealing her house keys and two mobile phones.

Police were contacted and an investigation to find Mensah was launched – he was located in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk on May 30 and arrested.

DC Nikki Buge of the South Area Safeguarding Team, who led the investigation, said: “Mensah is a high harm domestic violence offender and the sentence he has received reflects the severity of his offending.

“The victims in this case were forced to go to trial and re-live the ordeal he put them through – however, thanks to their bravery the jury has seen through Mensah’s lies and attempts to evade justice and been convicted.

“Mensah has shown no remorse for his actions and even tried to blame a four-month-old baby for causing bruises he inflicted on one of his victims – I think this shows the type of man Mensah is.

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of domestic abuse to contact police; specially trained officers are here to help you.”