Man '˜flipped' and hit his partner

A man pinned his partner up against the wall and hit her across the face, a court heard.

Stephen Blair, 45, “flipped” because he believed his partner of 10 years had cheated on him.

Wigan And Leigh Magistrates’ Court heard Helen Lawson had previously reported violence to the police but did not want to take it further.

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On December 23, Blair, of Yates Grove, Beech Hill, accused of her cheating on him when she returned home after being out with friends.

Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, said: “He pinned her up against the kitchen wall, put his hand around her throat and hit her across the face.”

Her left eye became swollen and bruised, the court heard.

On May 14, they had both been drinking when Ms Lawson tried to show Blair a text message on her mobile phone.

Miss Kenyon said Blair grabbed the phone from her and threw it, causing it to smash to pieces.

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He also damaged a television by kicking it and called Miss Lawson names.

The police were called and Miss Lawson said she did not want him to go back.

Defending, Karen Schofield told the court that Blair had seen evidence of an affair.

She said: “He quite honestly said that, in his interview, with that proof on 23 December, he just flipped and that’s the best way he could describe it.”

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Afterwards they tried to make the relationship work, Miss Schofield said.

But on May 14 he “overreacts” and threw the phone.

Blair pleaded guilty to criminal damage on May 14 and assault by beating on December 23.

Magistrates sentenced him to a 12-month community order with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 60 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge, but no compensation as he has already replaced the television and phone.

A restraining order was imposed for 12 months banning him from contacting Ms Lawson or going to Rose Street in Ince.

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