AN ELLESMERE Port man who injured his partner’s arm while drunk has been sentenced to a 12-month community order.
Wayne Bethune, 25, of Denbigh Court, Ellesmere Port, pleaded guilty at Chester and Ellesmere Port Magistrates Court on Monday to assaulting Mandy Burtwood on July 29.
Prosecuting, Rob Youds told the court the couple had left their house in the morning before Miss Burtwood returned at about 3pm with a friend.
Bethune returned at 9.15pm and was clearly intoxicated.
Mr Youds said: “He then banged on the door and Miss Burtwood refused to let him in. He got some tables out in the garden and started drinking before banging on the windows and threatening her.
“He asked for some tobacco and as she passed some out to him, he grabbed her arm and forced it against the window sill, causing some bruising.”
Bethune, who had 12 previous offences, including one for battery on Miss Burtwood, was later arrested.
When interviewed, he said he had drunk about 12-15 pints in New Brighton that day and admitted causing the offence.
Stephen Fearns, defending, said the couple had since reconciled.
He said: “Bethune has had problems with alcohol, which has played a significant part in his life and has to be fully eradicated.”
In addition to the 12-month community order, magistrates ordered Bethune to complete an alcohol treatment programme.
Bethune must also pay a £70 fine after he failed to turn up at court on the scheduled day, plus a £15 victim’s surcharge, as well as £45 in court costs.
