A “JEALOUS” man brandishing a pickaxe handle assaulted his ex-partner’s when he saw her with another man, a court was told.

Derry McWhirter admitted battery and possession of an offensive weapon when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

The court was told that 48-year-old McWhirter returned to the home he shared with his former partner Christine Blake in Hillditch Lane, Hartlebury, at 6pm on Tuesday, November 17, only to discover that she was not in.

Lisa Mayne, prosecuting, said Ms Blake was dropped off by a friend about two-and-a-half hours later.

McWhirter, who had drunk five pints and described himself as “not sober”, was waiting for her outside when she arrived.

She only became aware of him when his dog ran towards her and McWhirter admitted he had followed her from behind as she arrived home.

Mrs Mayne said: “The defendant had a metre-long pickaxe handle at the time.

“She became aware the defendant was stood behind her, holding this pickaxe handle in his hand. She then felt an impact to the back of her head.

"She wasn’t aware of whether he had used the handle or his hand.

“She went back to the house, locked herself in her bedroom and called police.

“In police interview, he said he saw red and slapped the back of her head.”

Nick Roberts, defending, said the relationship between the couple had broken down but they still lived together in a house they jointly owned, although both had agreed not to enter new relationships until the house was sold.

He said: “My client had nowhere to go. It’s a difficult situation. By chance, he saw his ex-partner arrive with another man. It’s at that point he openly said he got a little bit jealous.”

The charges against him, Mr Roberts said, are connected to admissions he made himself to police and not a result of complaints by Ms Smith.

Magistrates gave McWhirter a community order for 12 months which will include supervision for the length of the order.

McWhirter, now of Fugelmere Close, Harbourne, Birmingham, was ordered to pay court costs of £85 in full within 28 days.

He was also ordered to obey the terms of an indefinite restraining order which involves non-contact with his ex-partner unless it relates specifically to their joint assets.

• Your Worcester News was the only member of the media to attend this hearing.