Man slapped partner after an argument (From Worcester News)

Man slapped partner after an argument

3:40pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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A MAN who slapped his girlfriend across the face then resisted arrest when police arrived has been ordered to complete programmes to address domestic abuse and alcohol problems.

Worcester Magistrates Court was told that Paul Rothan, of Preece Close, Malvern, met up with his partner at CrownGate Shopping Centre in Worcester on Thursday, January 28.

Lisa Mayne, prosecuting, said the pair went to Lloyds Bar, in Crown Passage, and had a few drinks.

They left together and caught a bus back to Malvern. Rothan got off the bus in Malvern town centre, where he picked up his Giro before carrying on drinking. His partner went home.

Rothan returned to his girlfriend’s house at about 4pm, when an argument began. Ms Mayne said Rothan became “violent, mouthy and vile”. Rothan then slapped his girlfriend across the face and she called police.

When officers arrived, Rothan answered the door and said: “What’s the problem boys?”

Ms Mayne said: “The officers could hear the woman crying in the house. The defendant was clearly under the influence of alcohol.”

The two officers tried to arrest him but he tensed his arms before swinging at one of the officers, who ducked out of the way. One of the officers had a 5cm cut on his hand following the struggle.

Rothan pleaded guilty to assault on the basis that there was only one slap involved and both parties were to blame for the argument. Rothan also admitted assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty.

Susie Duncan, defending, said Rothan had told his partner he saw her ex-husband with her best friend, which caused the initial argument.

Ms Duncan said: “He wasn’t trying to be unpleasant but she reacted, then he reacted.”

Magistrates gave Rothan a 12-month community order with programmes to address his domestic violence and alcohol issues. He was ordered to complete 12 months of supervision and pay £85 in costs.

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