POLICE called to David McDermott s Littleport home on Easter Monday were met by his partner Julie Cooper, who had been assaulted. McDermott had pushed Ms Cooper and smashed a tea cup at the Longfield Road property. He had been in a mood because no one had

POLICE called to David McDermott's Littleport home on Easter Monday were met by his partner Julie Cooper, who had been assaulted.

McDermott had pushed Ms Cooper and smashed a tea cup at the Longfield Road property.

He had been in a mood because no one had helped him set up a market stall - so he had gone to the pub and drunk six pints before the incident, Ely magistrates were told on Thursday.

McDermott, 40, who is being treated for a personality disorder, was given a two-year conditional discharge after he admitted assault, and he must pay £55 costs.

When police answered the 999 call, Ms Cooper said McDermott had thrown a hot cup of tea at her but it missed.

He then punched her in the middle of the back.

McDermott explained how he had gone to the pub to get "some space" but was joined by his partner, and all was well until they arrived home, when she "wound him up".

McDermott said he had pushed his partner on the shoulder, and that could have been interpreted as a punch.

Mitigating, Melanie Benn said McDermott and Ms Cooper were concerned that he had not received therapy to deal with anger management and domestic abuse, as part of his current community penalty.

"They both feel that if there had been some therapy this would not have happened, there would have been safety valves to avoid a situation like this," she said.