An Isle of Wight woman believed her friend was going to kill her after he launched a “persistent assault” that caused several injuries, a court has heard.

Timothy Layfield, of High Street, Wootton, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 23, and pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the 55-year-old had been in The Wheatsheaf pub in Newport on August 8 with his partner and their friend.

Ms Stone told the court that the three left the pub and continued to drink at Layfield’s Wootton home.

Layfield’s friend – and later victim – noted that his mood worsened throughout the evening as they continued drinking, the court heard.

Ms Stone said Layfield’s victim asked whether she could help clean up, which she believes offended him, as shortly after, he asked her to leave.

The court was told that Layfield pushed his friend to the floor, got on top of her and attacked her, with the victim stating: "I thought he might kill me."

The prosecution described the attack as a “persistent assault” and said the woman suffered several injuries.

Jim Osborne, defending, said his client pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.

He asked magistrates to consider ordering a pre-sentence report ahead of sentencing.

Magistrates agreed and granted Layfield conditional bail.

Layfield will be sentenced on November 1.