A MAN who pushed, punched and slapped his ex-wife has been handed a restraining order.

Lucas North, of Richmond Road, Malvern, had already admitted assault by beating against his ex-wife Michele Awuye and a section four public order offence against Paul Griffiths – a witness who tried to intervene.

North, aged 49, was given a two-year community order at Worcester Magistrates Court to include two years of supervision. He was also ordered to complete the building better relationships programme.

The court was told how North began a relationship with Miss Awuye in 2003 and married her in 2007.

But the couple, who have two children, divorced earlier this year.

Jackie Rogers, prosecuting, said following a disagreement over childcare North pushed Miss Awuye to the ground, grabbed her and started to shout in her face.

“He punched her to the right hand side of her head behind her ear and there was visible reddening to the right hand side of the neck following the assault,” said Mrs Rogers.

Miss Awuye also suffered soreness to her back and behind her right ear.

A witness, Paul Griffiths, called the police while the defendant left the area before returning and slapping his ex-wife in the face and calling her a liar over and over again.

Mr Giffiths, who was concerned North would headbutt her, then intervened and said "you can’t do that", to which North said "you really don’t want to mess with me" and "I will break your neck".

When arrested, North gave a no comment interview to police, but said he was only following legal advice.

Barry Newton, defending, said North was a bright fellow and that a GP had said a break in medication could have contributed to his loss of temper.

He also said North’s ex-wife just wanted him to admit what he had done.

Mr Newton also said he very much regreted the incident.

North was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Miss Awuye and £100 to Mr Griffiths.

A two-year rest-raining order means he is not to contact Miss Awuye directly or indirectly save through solicitors.