A jealous ex-boyfriend who battered his former partner with a TABLE LEG while "off his face" on monkey dust has been spared jail. 

Benjamin Poole, 32, went on a drugs and booze spree after his turbulent relationship came to an end when he found out his lover had been seeing another man. 

A court heard the thug tracked down his ex after taking the Class B substance and drinking alcohol on February 7 this year. 

When he found her at around 1pm, Poole struck her with the back of his hand and hit her with a table leg in front of horrified witnesses. 

On Thursday May 18  the mechanic was handed an eight month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to affray at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. 

Poole, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs., must also complete a drug rehabilitation programme and will be on a curfew for five months. 

Sentencing, Judge Paul Glenn said: "Witnesses described you as being off your head. 

"I have seen many experienced users of drugs that can't handle monkey dust and leads to these sorts of incidents." 

Neil Athuja, prosecuting, said: "On Uttoxeter Road at around 1pm, the defendant was aggressive. 

"The victim was walking to a friend's and the defendant followed her. 

"He was outside the friend's house, pacing like an animal, after arming himself with a table leg. 

"The claimant went outside to calm him down, but the defendant back-handed her and struck her left arm with some force." 

The court heard how Poole, who at one stage turned his attention to onlookers, fled the scene but was arrested soon after when he returned. 

Paul Cliffe, defending, said: "The breakdown in a long-term relationship came to a head on February 7 when the defendant became aware that there was a third party. 

"He accepts the effect that this behaviour would have had on people witnessing these offences. 

"Until a conviction in 2011, the defendant had a strong work ethic, working as a mechanic. 

"Poole admits that he does have a problem with drink and drugs, but is looking to work again."