A man beat his partner with a metal dog lead and then attacked two police officers who tried to arrest him after a frenzied assault in Waddon Park.

Croydon Crown Court was told how Lee Norfolk's mood changed suddenly while out for a stroll with his partner of nine years and two children. The couple had a row before Norfolk landed a series of blows and kicks.

The court heard 36-year-old Norfolk, of Chasemore Gardens, Waddon, then whipped her with a metal dog lead as she cowered on the floor.

Police were alerted by passersby who had heard her screaming and Norfolk attacked them when they tried to arrest him.

Judge Warwick McKinnon told him this had been a savage attack and he jailed him for two years and four months.

Sarah Lindop, prosecuting, said Norfolk, Georgina Jezeph, her nine year-old son and a grandson aged one, and their two dogs, were in the park on June 25 last year.

His behaviour changed and he pushed Miss Jezeph and started to punch her in the face. She couldn't remember how many times, but she fell to the ground, where he kicked and kneed her in the body. And he lashed at her with the dog lead.

Miss Lindop said: "She was screaming at him and he said to her, See what you are making me do. See what you are making me like'."

Miss Lindop said the assault continued for about 15 minutes.

Norfolk then walked away to a nearby bridge and shouted: "Come on, we'll jump together."

When two police officers arrived, he headbutted one - PC Jonathan Reed - and struck out at PC Theresa Hardy, who received several bruises.

Norfolk has a string of previous convictions for various offences, including wounding, and assault on police.

Hugh French, defending, said: "Both had been under the influence of drink and an argument developed, and he maintains that he was physically provoked by her."

Judge McKinnon told Norfolk, who pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm, and two common assaults: "This was a savage attack. It is not only her good fortune but also yours that she was not seriously injured, but you punched her in the face and you kicked her in the body, and whipped her with a dog lead."