THE North Kent head of the Monster Raving Looney Party has been sentenced for hitting his partner.

Lord Toby Jug was handed an 18-month community order, which includes a supervision requirement, at Dartford Magistrates' Court this afternoon.

Lord Toby, whose real name is Brian Borthwick, was also ordered to pay £43 costs.

At an earlier court appearance in August, the 40-year-old pleaded guilty to common assault against his partner Julie Smith, at their home in Highview, Vigo, on August 14.

The court heard how Borthwick hit Ms Smith on the arm during an argument.

Borthwick told of his battle with depression following a troubled childhood.

He was due to appear in court for sentencing on September 21 but was hospitalised following what was described in court as "an overdose".

He had been staying in Cambridgeshire with his parents.

Following today's sentencing, he said he was returning to Vigo where he hoped to be reconciled with Ms Smith.