By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 14:04, Tuesday, 02 February 2010

A man who suspected his partner was having an affair launched a drunken assault on her after returning home from a wedding, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard.

David Halpin, 51, of Seacote Caravan Park, Skinburness Road, Silloth, went alone to a wedding on January 23, where he heard rumours that his partner of 18 years may have been having an affair.

When he returned home, about 12.50am, prosecutor Adrienne Harris described how his partner “could sense an atmosphere” immediately.

Ms Harris said: “Before she could move he was on top of her, shouting in her face. He called her a liar, took hold of her wrists and became more aggressive, he held her wrist and started pulling her about.

“She put her head into the cushions as the defendant was punching her.”

As a result of the assault – which Halpin pleaded guilty to – his partner suffered a bruised, swollen and cut bottom lip, and a cut to the corner of her right eye.

Defending, Patrick Shimmin said his client, who had no previous convictions, would “ensure that nothing like this occurs again”.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a requirement to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay court costs of £85.

First published at 11:28, Tuesday, 02 February 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk