A Pike County man is charged with assault after police say he used mining equipment to severely beat a woman.
Police say the attack was so bad, the woman's skull was visible!

49 year old Scott Blackburn is indicted on assault and promoting contraband charges.

Police say early Saturday morning, Blackburn was drunk and got into a fight with his girlfriend at their home in Freeburn.
Police say during the alleged attack, Blackburn used a coal mine roof bolter extension rod to beat her in the head. The first trooper at the scene said he could see the woman's skull.

"Anytime someone is willing to cause physical injury of this level, it is very serious," said Tommy Chamberlin, Assistant Pike County Attorney.

"Initially looking at the case, they're very serious charges; however, with any case, I ask the public not to pre-judge any facts because we look forward to presenting our defense. This is a very interesting case upon at least the investigation I've done this far, and we look forward to presenting, at the very least what we've discovered at this point. I do believe there will be more in our favor," said Tommy May, Blackburn's defense attorney.

Blackburn is also charged with promoting contraband because police say once he was arrested, he tried to take some pills into the jail.

Blackburn is being held on a $10,000 bond.

No arraignment date is set yet.

There is no word on the victim's condition, but we are told she is expected to survive.