A man has been punished for assaulting his ex-partner while subject to a suspended prison term.

Gareth Beattie, 36, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court in 2015. A nine-month jail sentence was put on ice for two years after Beattie committed two drugs supply crimes.

But he was brought back to the crown court today. Judge Peter Hughes QC heard how Beattie, on April 1 this year, assaulted Carmel Dodgson during an argument. He admitted grabbing hold of Miss Dodgson and throwing her on to a bed at a property in Cleator Moor.

However, Judge Hughes was told of the positive steps made by Beattie since his 2015 court appearance.

He was drug-free, had found work and distanced himself from bad influences.

As a result, Judge Hughes imposed an 18-month community order for the assault.

Beattie, of Brierley Road, Cleator Moor, was given a three-month night-time curfew, a rehabilitation requirement and banned from having direct contact with Miss Dodgson for three years.