A FATHER beat up his girlfriend and threatened to kill her in a Christmas Eve argument over presents for their son, a court heard.
Nathan Martin Wyche, of Ryder Street in Northwich, was sentenced at Vale Royal Magistrates Court on Thursday after admitting assaulting Katie Sandbach.
The 20-year-old was given a two-year supervision order and made to attend a domestic violence programme. He was also told to pay £100 compensation to his girlfriend, plus £20 court costs.
Carolyn Viviani, prosecuting, said: 'The couple have been living together for two years. During the past few months the defendant has become more volatile, particularly when consuming alcohol.
'On December 24 the couple were at home in their living room with their two year-old son, when they had an argument over presents for him.
'Wyche had been drinking and started shouting and screaming. He lunged at the victim and hit her around the head about three times and she felt pain.
'He continued to be abusive and aggressive and said to her: 'Wait until our son goes to bed - I'm going to kill you'.
'When the defendant is drunk she doesn't know what he's capable of, and she's been scared of him because of the escalation in the volatile nature of their relationship.'
Wyche was arrested. When interviewed he admitted he had a drink problem but denied saying he would kill his girlfriend.
