A MAN was arrested after being caught on CCTV "grappling" with his girlfriend and slapping her in the face, magistrates heard.

Kevin Williams, aged 37, of Moatway, Malvern, admitted assaulting Pauline Trigg when he appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard how the assault, which happened in The Butts, Worcester, left Miss Trigg with a swollen left eye.

Prosecuting, Peter Parson said the assault happened at just before midnight on Friday, September 19, when Williams, a self-employed mechanic, began arguing with Miss Trigg.

"They were seen on CCTV grappling and he was then seen to grab her and slap her to the face, with the grappling continuing on the floor."

Mr Parson said Williams was arrested and he told police he couldn't remember much of the incident but admitted having an argument and being responsible.

In mitigation, Mark Rigby said Miss Trigg admitted hitting her boyfriend first.

"Williams was struggling with his girlfriend on the floor, who was attempting to hit him," he said.

"He accepts he did grab her and there may have been a slap around the face that caused the injury to the eye. He admits he probably went beyond self-defence, hence why he pleaded guilty."

The couple had been together for 18 months and usually got on extremely well.

Williams was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £150 compensation to Miss Trigg and court costs of £75.