A woman who defied her husband by learning English was beaten with a stick and cut with a bread knife when he found out.

Kamran Khan Kamran Khan, 23, of Kersington Crescent, Oxford, was yesterday sentenced to one year in prison following a hearing at the city's Crown Court.

He admitted two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm to his wife Saima Iram on July 7, 2003, at a previous hearing.

Khan was also sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison yesterday, for robbing a supermarket manager with another man. The sentences will be served consecutively.

Simon Heptonstall, prosecuting, said Khan attacked his wife with a stick after she began taking English classes against his wishes.

Mr Heptonstall said: "He accepts striking her more than once with a stick or causing bruising."

On a separate occasion, Khan hacked away at his wife's hair with scissors before telling her: "If you cry too much I will cut your hair with a knife."

Mr Heptonstall said Khan then used a bread knife to cut her hair, and he also sliced her hand and nose.

Jamie Porter, defending, said his client regretted his actions. He added: "He was drunk when he was doing these things and his behaviour was unacceptable."

Khan has previous convictions for battery.

Speaking after the hearing, inspector Olly Wright, who heads the police Domestic Violence team, said: "This sends a strong message to perpetrators of domestic violence that Thames Valley police will not tolerate such abuse."

But Sandra Horley, the chief executive of Refuge, a domestic violence helpline, said: "The judge appears to have recognised the crimes, but sadly these do not seem to have been reflected in the sentence handed down."

*If you are experiencing domestic violence call the 24 hour national domestic violence freephone helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.refuge.org.uk.