A MAN who beat his partner had his sentence increased significantly after Robert Buckland QC MP referred it for being too low.

James Llewhellin, 27, from Bristol, beat his victim with numerous punches to the head and body, and knee strikes to the face.

He claimed that he had carried out the vicious attack against his partner because he thought she was cheating on him

Metal plates had to be inserted into his victim's face to fix the fractured jaw she suffered during the beating.

The assault also left her with severe bruising to the rest of her face, and a suspected broken nose and eye socket.

Llewhellin was originally sentenced at Bristol Crown Court in March, where he initially received a jail sentence of five years and four months.

After the Solicitor General’s reference, the Court of Appeal added an extra two years and two months to his sentence.

He will now be jailed for seven years and six months.

Robert Buckland is the Solicitor General and the MP for South Swindon.

He said: “Domestic abuse is a grave crime, and Llewhellin did lasting physical and psychological damage to his victim.

"I am pleased that the Court of Appeal has today agreed to increase his sentence.

"I hope that this brings his victim some comfort.”