POLICE called out to a disturbance in Soham saw James Barnes assaulting his partner Lisa Atkins. Barnes held her wrist and pushed her against a wall, prosecutor Francesca Devine told Ely magistrates. There had been an earlier argument, when Barnes threw

POLICE called out to a disturbance in Soham saw James Barnes assaulting his partner Lisa Atkins.

Barnes held her wrist and pushed her against a wall, prosecutor Francesca Devine told Ely magistrates.

There had been an earlier argument, when Barnes threw Ms Atkins' hairbrush at a wall. Ms Atkins curled up on the floor because she was afraid.

The previous night, Barnes had come home late. There was an argument and he threw her drinking glass and smashed it, she added. Barnes had refused to let Ms Atkins leave the kitchen, and pushed her.

Barnes had denied throwing a glass, but agreed a drink was spilt. He denied throwing the hairbrush. He said both he and Ms Atkins had pushed each other.

Barnes, 37, formerly of Blackthorn Court in Soham, but now without a permanent address, admitted assaulting Ms Atkins on June 2.

"She was pushed against a clothes rail," explained solicitor Jacqui Baldwin. "He pushed her against a wall to stop her from leaving the property, he accepts that.

"The complainant is a strong business lady. But it is accepted that Barnes' behaviour was not acceptable by the court. He did try to prevent her from going, and pushed her against the wall.