A MAN with 52 previous convictions who flew into a rage and attacked the new boyfriend of his supposed lover has been praised by magistrates for trying to turn his life around and get off drugs.

Jamie Anstey, 37, denied assaulting a man in January but was found guilty by a jury during a trial earlier this month. And on Monday he appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court to be sentenced.

The court heard how there was “animosity” between the two men because they had a partner in common which sparked the attack on the victim as he walked out of a block of flats with the woman in question.

“The crown will say it is an unprovoked attack causing bruises and grazing and he was repeatedly punched in the face,” said Michelle Hewitt, prosecuting.

The court was also told Anstey, of Denbeck Wood, Eastleaze, has 52 previous convictions for 92 offences. He is also on a suspended sentence made last year.

Philip Hall, defending, said: “This was a scuffle between two men in the entrance foyer of a block of flats.

“Reference has been made to the defendant’s number of convictions. This will go down as number 53. Number 36 in 2012 is the last conviction with an element of violence.

“He is not of violent character. This Ma’am is a case of cherchez la femme. We have heard reference to a young lady who two men were under the impression they were both in a relationship with.

“He had been helping refit her kitchen and was returning the keys. The two men saw each other and things did not go well. It was Mr Anstey who was in the wrong.

“He has made considerable progress during the period of his suspended sentence.”

A probation officer also told the court of the progress Anstey has made in the last year.

They said: “We are absolutely delighted with the work Mr Anstey has completed in drug rehabilitation requirement days.

“He is hoping in six months to be completely drug free. He hopes to marry his partner next year and be in employment. He said to me ‘I want to be a family man, I want to be productive.’"

Anstey has also been volunteering for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and there is an opportunity for it to lead to a permanent job.

Chairman of the bench Viv Street said: “Mr Anstey, we are not going to trigger your suspended sentence because of this offence.

“It is very impressive what we have heard from the probation officer that you are coming off drugs and that you have the possibility of a job, it is simply fantastic.

“Keep up the good work.”

Anstey was given a seven month community order to continue attending rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also told to pay court costs of £300 and a £60 victim surcharge, which will be deducted from his benefits.