A 20-year-old man left a red handprint on a woman’s buttocks after striking her to satisfy his own sexual desires, the court heard.

Benjamin Bannan left a mark on the woman’s rear that remained visible for a few days, Newport Crown Court was informed.

He maintained his innocence but a jury convicted him of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against the woman following a trial.

The woman cried out in pain after he slapped her in August 2024.

The defendant was acquitted of sexually assaulting her.

Bannan was also appearing for sentencing regarding a physical assault on another woman, an ex-partner, two months prior.

He choked and suffocated her during their volatile relationship.

The choking incident occurred after the defendant pursued the victim through their home on June 18, 2024.

Prosecutor Paul Hewitt stated that he placed both hands around her neck and began strangling her.

He suffocated her ten days later while they were lying in bed together.

The defendant admitted guilt to intentional strangulation and intentional suffocation.

These two crimes and the buttock slapping occurred when Bannan was 18 years old.

His barrister Alexander Greenwood informed the court that his client had spent 182 days in detention.

The barrister explained that Bannan was a young man with difficulties who struggled with his mental wellbeing and had unwisely used cannabis to self-treat.

Judge Celia Hughes addressed the defendant, stating that his conduct was extremely worrying.

She noted that the slapping incident had been carried out to satisfy his own sexual gratification.

Bannan, from Hillside Terrace, Bedwas, Caerphilly received a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

He must perform 80 hours of community unpaid work and undertake a 20-day rehabilitation activity programme.

The victim of the slapping sought a restraining order, which was approved for five years.

Unemployed Bannan was directed to pay £300 in prosecution costs and must also pay a statutory victim surcharge.