A Bridport man is facing jail after being convicted of attacking a young woman with mental health issues.

Paul Spencer, aged 40, was found guilty of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm when he appeared before Dorchester Crown Court.

A 17-year-old boy who appeared alongside him was acquitted of the same charge.

Both defendants had been accused of going to Rama Newhouse’s flat in Bridport town centre, on November 2, 2010 and carrying out an unprovoked attack, kicking and punching her while she lay on the floor.

Stuart Ellacott, prosecuting, said: “They knocked on the door, words were exchanged and shortly after, and without warning, Spencer punched the victim in the face causing her to go to the floor. She was set upon and punched and kicked while she was in the foetal position. This was an unprovoked attack on a young lady.”

Judge Roger Jarvis said the guilty verdict must have been reached on the basis that the assault consisted of blows to the temple and not punching or kicking while she was on the ground.

Miss Newhouse, who is registered as mentally ill and has borderline personality disorder, was left with a fractured eye socket and bruising on her body and arms.

Spencer chose not to take the stand and give evidence in his defence.

Judge Roger Jarvis told him: “You have been convicted of a very serious offence and there is the definite possibility of you losing your liberty by way of punishment.

“Before I decide what your punishment will be I want to know more about you.

“I am ordering a pre-sentence report and your defence counsel has requested a medical report.”

Spencer was released on conditional bail and ordered to appear before the court on July 13 to be sentenced.