A MAN from Malvern hit his girlfriend over the head with a wine bottle during an argument, Worcester Magistrates Court heard.

Helen Harmeston, prosecuting, yesterday told the court that Tina Baker was so offended by 28-year-old Craig Nixon's behaviour when he kept groping himself, on Thursday, November 20 2003, that she left and went to stay with her parents.

However, two days later she returned to his home in Cowleigh Bank, Malvern Link, but after the couple had drunk a bottle of wine they began arguing again.

"The argument culminated when he hit her over the head with the empty wine bottle," said Miss Harmeston.

"It caused a one-and-a-half-inch cut to her head and loss of blood, which required hospital treatment.

"During the interview he stated that he hit her over the head but said he did not intend to cause injury."

Domestic violence

Neil Jackson, defending, said his client, who admitted the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at a previous court appearance, understood that assaulting a woman is unacceptable and wanted to go on a domestic violence programme.

He said that the relationship was one of convenience as they both clung on to each other rather than be alone.

The court ordered Nixon to attend a meeting with probation services to see if he is suitable for the domestic violence programme.

He was released on bail on the condition he attends the meeting on Friday, January 30 and returns to the court on Monday, February 9.