A Ponsanooth man who punched his then girlfriend in the mouth told magistrates he was very drunk at the time.

Scott Norman Wallace, aged 25, of Higher Terrace, Ponsanooth, pleaded guilty to assaulting Nia Collier at Falmouth on December 8.

Gail Hawkley, for the CPS said that six months into the relationship Wallace had started being violent towards Ms Collier and on five or six occasions had pushed her to the floor, injuring her. The incidents were always alcohol-related.

On December 7 were walking home when he started to swear and shouting at Ms Collier over other men looking at her. The victim said he had swept his legs under her feet, causing her to fall and hit her head on the pavement.

He then punched her in the mouth, leaving a large swelling on her forehead and cuts and bruises to her lip as a result.

Wallace, a kitchen porter, told the magistrates he could not remember much of the evening, but that he accept all that the prosecution said. Adding: “I have stopped drinking since this. I just did not know when to stop.” The relationship was now over.

Wallace, who had a previous caution for battery towards his mother, was given a two year community order.

He had to pay Ms Collier £200 compensation, £145 costs and surcharge.