A "DEVASTATED" dad has been jailed for attacking his estranged wife.

Gary Clark punched his victim in the head, face, chest and leg while his children, aged three and five, were nearby.

The 24-year-old carried out the assault at the victim’s home, in Clacton after he became upset by a text message she had received.

Clark, of Holland Road, Clacton, initially left the woman’s home but let himself back in sometime later.

He accused the victim of having a boyfriend and as he tried to grab her mobile phone, punched her in the chin and four times in the chest.

Ian Allen, prosecuting, said: “He left the bedroom and asked her to call the police.

“He then went into the kitchen, took a knife, and self-harmed.

“In the circumstances she didn’t contact the police and agreed he could stay at the address so he slept downstairs.”

The next day Clark became aggressive, pushing the victim out of the front door and punching the hallway window.

The altercation continued outside where the victim was “punched to the back of her head and stamped on”.

Clark admitted two assault charges and two counts of criminal damage when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

When arrested, he told police he had taken an overdose.

The dad looked dumbstruck as he was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison.

Chairman of the bench Anthony Ealden said the severity of the assault meant he had no choice but to send Clark to prison.

He added: “You’ve assaulted the same victim before on a number of occasions and there is still one community penalty for that.”

Clark must also pay a £115 victim surcharge.

Penny Simons, mitigating, pleaded with magistrates to not send Clark to prison as it would trigger a “downward spiral”.

She said: “He took an overdose and spent two days in hospital which gives an indication of the state he was in.

“His former partner has expressed sorrow rather than anger at the situation.

“This is a prime example of where the mental health provision in this country fails.

“He was diagnosed with various issues and later signed off but these haven’t gone away.

“He’s completely fallen through the net with no medication.

“Looking at the bigger picture - and unfortunately for his wife - had his mental health been picked up on and dealt with we may not be in this situation.”

Mrs Simons added it is a “very sad case”.

She said Clark was "sorry and devastated" about his marriage breakdown before adding: “He needs to be punished but more importantly he needs the help.”