A MAN has been given a community order after assaulting his former partner during an alcohol-fuelled argument.

Craig Walker, of Park Way, Droitwich, had recently split from his partner of three years when the pair ran into each other on Friday, April 23.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said the former girlfriend was enjoying a night out in Droitwich town centre with her friends when Walker began texting her.

Mr Dodson said Walker, aged 38, was asking the woman to meet him and go for a meal.

The group of girls then saw Walker in town and noticed he was drunk as his eyes were glazed and he was unsteady on his feet.

Mr Dodson said: “The injured party said she wasn’t going home with him.”

After leaving the Star and Garter pub, the women went to the Westcroft Arms. Walker followed but was refused entry, so he waited outside. When the victim came out, Walker began shouting and swearing at her.

One of the witnesses described how Walker grabbed the woman with both hands on her upper arms. The witness heard the woman say: “Get off me. You are hurting me.”

The woman fell to the floor during the incident and Walker continued to shout at her as she was on the ground.

The woman had bruising to her upper arms, back and shins. Walker was arrested and admitted to drinking about eight pints during the course of the evening.

Amer Hussain, defending, said: “It is clear everybody had been drinking. She wanted to stay out drinking with her friends, he wanted her to go home.”

Mr Hussain added that the relationship between the pair was now “improving” and they were attempting to “build bridges”.

Walker, who admitted assault, was sentenced to a two-year community order with two years’ supervision by the Probation Service. He was also ordered to complete a domestic abuse and an alcohol treatment programme.

Chairman of the bench Wendy Coggan said: “We have taken into account your persistent behaviour on the evening of the offence and your actions when under the influence of alcohol.

“We have also taken into account the lack of injury caused, your remorse and your early guilty plea.”

Walker was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs.