PHD student was victim of "savage attack" in upmarket street by her ex husband

Multiple witnesses saw Munwar Alsubhi launch multiple "hammer fist" blows to the victim's head, which continued after she fell to the concrete pavement in leafy Jesmond, Newcastle, last June.

Newcastle Crown Court heard shocked members of the public stopped their vehicles to try and help the injured woman but Alsubhi continued the violence.

When the Saudi Arabian national eventually walked away, some brave witnesses followed but he warned them: "I will kill you, I will end your life."

Despite the threats, Asubhi was tailed back to his hotel and the police were called.

Officers found a hammer and a kitchen knife in his hotel room. Prosecutor Joe Hedworth said the victim had cuts to her hands and injuries to her head and eye.

She said in an impact statement she missed a ceremony relating to her PHD, was left in fear and has since moved back to the Middle East.

Alsubhi, 47, of no fixed address, admitted assault and affray.

Recorder Tony Hawks praised the member of the public who intervened and commended their "public spirited" actions.

Alsubhi was sentenced to two years behind bars and faces automatic deportation.

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The recorder said: "On June 3 last year, in a public place, you launched a savage attack on your ex wife, which no doubt would have continued were it not for the brave intervention of members of the public."

George Payne, defending, said Alsubhi, who acted "out of character", does not have a right to be in the UK and will return to his homeland after the sentence.

Mr Payne told the court: "He offers a profound apology to all those who witnesses his behaviour that day.

"The defendant is genuinely ashamed of his behaviour.

There is a complicated background of a relationship between him and the complainant, none of which justifies this."