A spurned partner reacted violently when he discovered that his ex had found a new boyfriend.

At Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates' Court, Dean Berkley, 43, entered a guilty plea to a common assault on David Mattinson on March 20, having attacked him at the home of his former partner Angela Maloney in Silloth.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, outlined how the violence happened on Sunday, March 19, at 11.30pm, an hour after Miss Maloney told the defendant in a text message about her new relationship.

The couple had been at Miss Maloney's home when there was a knock on the door and she opened it to be met by Berkley.

“The defendant pushed past to get into the living room,” said Mrs Ward.

Mr Mattinson later told police the defendant had come into the room, swinging his fists in his direction.

The victim had fallen and recalled Berkley kicking him in the chest and legs as he grabbed a bean-bag to protect himself.

He said that the defendant, who works as an engineer, kicked him six or seven times as Miss Maloney threatened to call the police.

In response to this, the court heard, Berkley said he did not care – but he had then left the property. After the confrontation, Mr Mattinson was left shaking.

He initially assumed this was linked to his diabetes, but a paramedic told him it was a reaction brought on by shock.

In her statement, Miss Maloney said she had seen Berkley repeatedly punching her new partner and then, after Mr Mattinson fell over, kicking him. She saw blood coming out of the victim's ear.

The defendant, who has no previous convictions, was represented in court by defence lawyer Steven Marsh.

He told the court the defendant had been in a long-term relationship with Miss Maloney – for eight to 10 years; and that when he had got the text about her new partner he felt devastated.

He had gone round to see her after unsuccessfully trying to call her, said Mr Marsh. Berkley was upset.

But, said the lawyer, his client maintained it was Mr Mattinson who delivered the first blow - a punch to Berkley's face.

“He says his actions were in self-defence, and he denies kicking or stamping on Mr Mattinson,” said the lawyer. “Essentially, it was excessive self-defence.”

At the time, said Mr Marsh, Berkley believed there was a prospect of a reconciliation with Miss Maloney.

Magistrates said the attack had been a sustained assault and the issue of whether Berkley kicked his victim would not affect their sentence. They imposed 100 hours of unpaid work, court costs of £85, and an £85 victim surcharge.

They also ruled the defendant should pay Mr Mattinson compensation of £100.